Smith Sets Record with 11th Test Century Against India

In an impressive display of skill and resilience, Steve Smith achieved his 11th Test century during the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, setting a record for the most centuries by any batsman against India. This remarkable feat further solidifies Smith’s legacy as one of the premier players in contemporary cricket.

Leading up to this match, Steve Smith was tied with England’s Joe Root, both having tallied ten centuries each since Smith’s noteworthy performance in the third Test in Brisbane earlier this month. The milestone was reached with a significant contribution to his team’s score during the match, accomplished in 167 deliveries. His innings featured a combination of two sixes and nine fours, a testament to his aggressive yet calculated batting style. This century marks Smith’s fifth hundred at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue where he has consistently shone. Interestingly, his highest score at this location remains 192, also recorded against India.

With this latest achievement, Smith has moved to a total of 34 centuries in Tests. This accomplishment places him squarely among the top ten century makers in the history of Test cricket, now sharing this elite group with icons such as Sunil Gavaskar, Mahela Jayawardene, Brian Lara, and Younis Khan. The leaderboard of these top century scorers against India now includes:

1. Steve Smith – 11 centuries

2. Joe Root – 10 centuries

3. Ricky Ponting – 8 centuries

4. Vivian Richards – 8 centuries

5. Gary Sobers – 8 centuries

Smith’s consistent performance illustrates not only his technical prowess but also his mental fortitude in high-pressure scenarios. His ability to convert opportunities into substantial scores makes him a valuable asset to the Australian team. The ongoing rivalry, particularly against India, has seen some of cricket’s finest moments, and Smith’s record adds another fascinating chapter to this narrative. As cricket continues to evolve, achievements such as Smith’s reaffirm the importance of skill, determination, and the spirit of the game.

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