Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: It was an excellent session for Australia as captain Steve Smith’s unbeaten hundred put them in a dominant position in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Janauary 6. At stumps on Day 3, Australia were at 518/7 in 124 overs in response to England’s first innings score of 384.
The hosts have a lead of 134 runs with Smith (129 off 205 balls, including 15 fours and one six) and Beau Webster (42 off 58 deliveries, with the help of four boundaries) unbeaten at the crease. Australia started their session at 377/6 in 91 overs. Cameron Green (8 off 13 balls, with the help of one four) and Smith (65 off 115 deliveries, including nine fours) were unbeaten at the crease. The hosts crossed the 400-run mark in the 98th over.
The 50-run stand between Green and Smith came during the 101st over. However, speedster Brydon broke the partnership after he dismissed Green (37 off 64 balls, with the help of three fours and one six), as Australia reached 439/7 in the 108th over. Smith reached his 37th Test century during the 110th over. The Australian captain reached the landmark in 166 deliveries.Smith became the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history. He went past England’s Jack Hobbs, who amassed 3636 runs in 41 matches and 71 innings in the Ashes. Hobbs had a superb average of 54.26 along with 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries.
Australian legend Don Bradman is the leading run-getter in Ashes history. The great batter amassed 5028 runs in 37 matches and 63 innings at an astounding average of 89.78. Bradman smashed 19 centuries and 12 half-centuries.It was also Smith’s 13th Ashes hundred, surpassing Jack Hobbs (12). Smith is only behind Don Bradman’s 19 centuries in Ashes history.
