IND vs AUS: Steve Smith Record Breaking Century Creates History

On the 2nd day of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test, at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian batsman Steve Smith forged a place in the cricket history books. Smith played a brilliant knock of 140 runs in the second innings of the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, not only leading Australia’s charge but also breaking a significant record against India. This remarkable century was his 34th Test century and more importantly, it made him the player with the most international centuries against India.

A Brilliant 140 Runs – Smith’s Masterclass Against India

 

Steve Smith scored 140 runs off 197 balls in an innings that was replete with aggressive control. He hit 13 boundaries and 3 sixes in a classical display of his timing as well as technical acuity. The Australian innings reached its century when it most mattered for Australia, taking the match firmly into the hands of the Australians.

This knock was more special for the Australian, as it became his 16th international century against India, which enhances his credentials as one of the highest run-scorers in cricket history. In these innings, Smith went ahead and was the only player to score centuries against India in all forms of international cricket.

Steve Smith Establishes New Record: 16 Centuries Against India

 

In terms of scoring centuries against India, Steve Smith now stands alone at the top. His total of 16 international centuries against India surpasses many cricketing legends who have also enjoyed success against the Indian team over the years.

Of these 16 centuries, Smith has scored 11 centuries in Test cricket and 5 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), making him the undisputed leader in this category. The achievement is even more remarkable given the quality of the opposition and the difficult conditions India presents in both the home and away series.

Ricky Ponting and Other Legends Who Have Scored Against India

 

While Steve Smith now holds the record for the most international centuries against India, several other cricketing greats made their mark with remarkable performances as well.

– Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is placed second on the list, having scored 14 centuries against India in the Test and ODI format. Ponting has frequently been a thorn in India’s side throughout his cricketing career.
– Joe Root, the best batsman for England, is at a close third with 13 centuries against India in both versions. Root has consistently proved himself against all top-class teams, including India.

– Two West Indian legends, Viv Richards and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, share the fourth position, as each has scored 11 international centuries against India. Richards is considered among the greatest batsmen to ever play the game and was a dominant force while Sangakkara was undoubtedly the best Sri Lankan. Both were often brilliant performers in matches against India.

– Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene, both of whom are considered some of the country’s all-time greats, have also made the cut with both players having scored 10 centuries each against India in Tests and ODIs combined.

Full List of Players with 10+ Centuries Against India

Here is the list of players who have scored 10 or more international centuries against India:

1. Steve Smith – 16 centuries
2. Ricky Ponting – 14 centuries

3. Joe Root – 13 centuries

4. Viv Richards – 11 centuries

5. Kumar Sangakkara – 11 centuries

6. Sanath Jayasuriya – 10 centuries

7. Mahela Jayawardene – 10 centuries

Smith’s Legacy Against India: A Mark of Consistency

 

Steve Smith’s record against India is simply fantastic and adds to his already glorious career. It has made him one of the best batsmen in modern cricket. His ability to perform consistently against the Indian team, irrespective of the format or conditions, speaks volumes about his cricketing intelligence, adaptability, and mental toughness.

In particular, his masterfulness in the longer version of the game (Test cricket) against India has earned him a reputation as an object of fear and respect across international cricket. His inputs in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy further emphasize the significance of Steve Smith for the Australian team as they fight to defeat India, in what is one of the fiercest cricketing rivalries.

A Historic Milestone for Steve Smith

 

This century, for Steve Smith against India on the Boxing Day Test, was more than just a personal achievement; it is a landmark moment in international cricket. Surpassing the greats such as Ricky Ponting, Joe Root, and Viv Richards in cricket, Steve Smith further consolidated his place in the pantheon of cricket legends.

With the capability of delivering under pressure, plus being very consistent, it is no wonder why Smith is an integral part of the Australian cricket team; another feather in his already quite glittering cap. The amount of records he is likely to break further down the line with this ongoing evolution in his career is an interesting thing to behold as further milestones will present themselves in his illustrious international cricket journey.

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