Sydney: Australian great Steve Smith added another golden chapter to his Ashes legacy on Tuesday with a classy century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The veteran batter passed English legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, sitting now behind only the iconic Sir Don Bradman.
Smith’s innings came on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series. The 36-year-old reached his 37th career Test hundred — and his 13th in Ashes contests — to give Australia a solid first-innings lead against England. This ton also lifted him to second on the list for most centuries in Ashes history, again behind Bradman’s remarkable tally of 19.
Batting with signature patience and precision, Smith built on Travis Head’s brilliant 163 to take Australia past England’s score. When Smith raised his bat to celebrate, the home crowd gave a standing ovation, acknowledging another masterclass by one of the modern greats.
Smith made his debut in the Ashes in 2010 at Perth. Three years later, he scored his first Ashes hundred at The Oval in 2013 — this was the beginning of his reign over the English.
His resounding performance in the Ashes series saw him being the top run-getter with 774 runs at a staggering average of 110.57 including three centuries and three fifties during the 2019 tour of England.
The most recent century in the Sydney Test was the first one for him in this series and overall 18 as captain, out of those 6 centuries were scored against England — this is the highest for him as captain against any team.
Travis Head Extends Hot Streak Starting Day 3 at 166 for 2, Travis Head continued his impressive run by scoring his 12th Test century. The left-hander looked in full control before falling for 163, taking Australia within 100 runs of England’s first-innings total. From there, Smith and Cameron Green guided the hosts into the lead, strengthening Australia’s position in the Test.
Although Australia had already secured the Ashes after winning the first three matches, England broke a long drought with a win in Melbourne — their first Test victory on Australian soil in 14 years, earning important ICC World Test Championship points.
Ashes 2025–26 Series Summary
1st Test (Perth): Australia won by 8 wickets
2nd Test (Brisbane): Australia won by 8 wickets
3rd Test (Adelaide): Australia won by 82 runs
4th Test (Melbourne): England won by 4 wickets
5th Test (Sydney): Ongoing (January 4–8)
With another century to his name, Steve Smith continues to chase the Bradman. His latest milestone at the SCG not only strengthens Australia’s grip on the series but also reinforces his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
