BGT 2024-25: Steve Smith Breaks Ricky Ponting’s Record
Steve Smith scores his 33rd Test century in the BGT 2024-25, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s record and making history with his remarkable performance against India.
Steve Smith made a huge achievement during the Brisbane test in the BGT 2024-25 series. On Sunday, he scored his 33rd test century, ending a wait of over 17 months without a century. His performance helped Australia in their first innings of the match.
A Rocky Start for Smith
Smith didn’t have an easy start. The Indian pacers made him struggle. He fended off some tough deliveries, edged a few balls, and missed others. But while Smith was working through this difficult phase, his teammate, Travis Head, was playing confidently. Head’s strong start kept the Indian bowlers busy, allowing Smith to find his rhythm.
BGT 2024-25: Smith Finds His Groove
Once Smith settled in, he began to play more comfortably. After reaching his half-century, he started playing with more authority. His knock of 101 runs off 190 balls included 12 boundaries. He played a supporting role to Head, as the two built a massive partnership. This partnership helped Australia go from a challenging position of 75/3 to a strong 316/4.
Breaking Records: Smith Surpasses Steve Waugh
Smith’s century was not just any century. It marked his 33rd test hundred, surpassing Steve Waugh’s record of 32 test centuries. Now, Smith is Australia’s second-highest test centurion, just behind Ricky Ponting, who has 41 centuries.
However, Smith didn’t stop there. He also broke another special record. Smith’s 33rd century against India made him the player with the most centuries against India. This century marked his 10th against India in tests, tying him with Joe Root for the joint-most centuries against India.
Smith Surpasses Ponting’s Record in International Cricket
Smith’s remarkable achievement didn’t end in just the test format. He also broke Ricky Ponting’s record of most international centuries against India. With 15 international hundreds against India, Smith now holds this record, surpassing Ponting’s 14.
Here is a list of players with the most international centuries against India:
| Player | Centuries Against India |
|---|---|
| Steve Smith | 15 |
| Ricky Ponting | 14 |
| Joe Root | 13 |
| Viv Richards | 11 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 11 |
Australia on Top in Brisbane
As the second day of the Brisbane test came to an end, Australia was in a strong position, with a score of 405/7. Head’s stunning 152 (160) and Smith’s 101 (190) put Australia in control. Meanwhile, Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed his 12th five-wicket haul in his test career.
Conclusion
Steve Smith’s performance in the BGT 2024-25 series was a reminder of why he is considered one of the best test batsmen of his generation. Breaking records and scoring centuries against India, Smith’s achievements continue to inspire cricket fans around the world.
Also Read: Top 5 Indian Bowlers With Most Test Wickets In Australia