Australia captain Steve Smith once again stood tall in Ashes cricket, scoring a calm and composed 124 at the Sydney Cricket Ground* on Day 3 of the 5th Test of the Ashes 2025–26 against England.
Smith’s unbeaten century helped Australia reach 490/7 in 118.4 overs, giving them a 106-run first-innings lead by the end of the third session.
Smith Anchors Australia After Head’s Fireworks
Australia’s innings was set up earlier by Travis Head, who played a breathtaking knock of 163 off 166 balls. After Head’s dismissal, England tried to fight back, but Smith ensured there was no collapse.
Batting with patience and control, Smith absorbed pressure and slowly rebuilt the innings. He found good support from *Beau Webster (21)**, and the pair safely guided Australia through the final overs of the day.
Smith Moves Closer to the All-Time Greats
With this century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Steve Smith has now reached 37 Test centuries in his career. This places him among the greatest batters in the history of Test cricket. Only a few players have scored more Test hundreds than Smith, and his average of over 56 in Tests underlines his consistency at the highest level. Many of his centuries have come in tough conditions and big series like the Ashes, making his record even more special.
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A Classic Steve Smith Test Century
Smith’s knock was a textbook Test innings:
- Runs: 124*
- Balls: 197
- Fours: 14
- Sixes: 1
- Strike Rate: 62.94
He played late, trusted his defence, and punished loose deliveries. The century came with a gentle push for a single, followed by loud applause from the SCG crowd.
This was Smith’s latest Ashes hundred, adding another chapter to his legendary record against England.
England Bowlers Struggle on Day 3
England’s bowlers worked hard but could not stop Australia’s momentum.
- Brydon Carse was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, but he conceded over 100 runs.
- Ben Stokes picked up 2 wickets, while Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell chipped in with one each.
As the day went on, Smith’s calm presence wore down the attack.
Match Situation at Stumps (Day 3)
- Australia: 490/7
- Lead: 106 runs
- Steve Smith: 124*
- Beau Webster: 21*
- Overs left in match: Plenty, with two full days remaining
Australia are now in a strong position, with the chance to extend the lead further on Day 4.
Smith’s knock has:
- Put Australia in control of the Test
- Increased pressure on England ahead of Day 4
- Strengthened Smith’s legacy as one of the greatest Ashes batters
With the pitch still good for batting, Australia will look to push their lead beyond 150–200 runs, making England’s task extremely difficult.
On a big stage and in a crucial match, Steve Smith once again delivered. His unbeaten century at the SCG was not flashy, but it was priceless — the kind of innings that wins Test matches and defines great players.
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