Steve Smith pips Sachin Tendulkar to become 3rd fastest to 22 centuries
Perth: Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh led Australia’s charge on Day 3 of the Perth Test by pushing England on the back foot. Particularly, it was the Australia skipper who spearheaded the attack for the host by striking his 22nd Test ton, this time, bringing it up in just 138 deliveries.
With that feat, there was a host of other records that the Australia skipper broke. Smith surpassed Sachin Tendulkar (114 innings) to become the third fastest to reach the feat in just 108 innings. Only Don Bradman (58 innings) and Sunil Gavaskar (101 innings) have reached 22 Test centuries in fewer innings.
Twitter poured in their congratulatory wishes for the Australia batsman, and stand-in India skipper Rohit Sharma was among the admirers.
What a player Steve Smith. Doesn’t look like he’s going to get out. Does he 😳 Well played #Ashes
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 16, 2017
At the same age Ricky Ponting had 10 Test tons.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 16, 2017
Steve Smith has 22. #Ashes
The best since Bradman? Steve Smith has the second highest Test average of all time. Since his maiden century, Smith is averaging 71.66 over 48 Tests
— Tim (@timwig) December 16, 2017
IMO ... @imVkohli is the best player across the 3 formats ... But @stevesmith49 is the best in Tests ... #OnOn #Ashes ... Although I would really like both in the same team ....
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 16, 2017
At this rate we'll get Trump out before Steve Smith.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) December 16, 2017
Oh c’mon...its too easy for you. Bat left handed in the second innings, Steve Smith. Simply Unstoppable. ðŸðŸ™ #22 #Ashes
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 16, 2017
The Australian captain reached his highest Test score yet with his second double-century, passed 1,000 Test runs for the year and also notched his fastest Test century in an innings that appeared to shatter England's resolve. At stumps, Smith was on 229 not out, having faced 390 balls, hitting 28 fours and one six as his stellar year continued.
It was his second century of the series and he didn't offer a single chance throughout.
Aged 28, Smith already has 22 centuries to his name from 107 Test knocks. His current Test batting average is also second only to the legendary Bradman.
