Steve Smith has spent more than a decade tormenting England, and on a steamy afternoon in Sydney, he offered another emphatic reminder that his Ashes story is far from over.

At 16:15 local time on day three of the fifth Ashes Test, Smith quietly nudged a single into the off side. There was no fanfare, no pause in England’s chanting, and little immediate reaction inside the Sydney Cricket Ground. Yet that seemingly routine run carried historic weight.

It was Smith’s 84th run of the innings – and his 3,637th against England in Ashes cricket, taking him past legendary England batter Sir Jack Hobbs and into second place on the all-time Ashes run-scorers list. Only Sir Donald Bradman now sits ahead of him.

---

A Century That Tightened Australia’s Grip on the Ashes

Smith’s unbeaten 129 powered Australia to 518-7, handing the hosts a commanding 134-run lead and pushing England to the brink of another defeat in what has been a punishing Ashes campaign.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan summed it up succinctly.

“He is a special player,” Vaughan said.
“When quality players know pitches are in their favour they make it count. Joe Root, Travis Head and now Steve Smith.”

For England, this innings felt familiar – another long, draining exercise in frustration as Smith occupied the crease, bent the bowlers to his will, and slowly suffocated their hopes.

---

Smith’s Enduring Ashes Legacy

Now 36, Smith has seen every possible version of Ashes cricket. This century felt symbolic – not just of dominance in the match, but of longevity in a rivalry that has defined his career.

Smith and Usman Khawaja are the only remaining players from the 2010-11 Ashes, the last time England won a series in Australia. Smith’s Ashes journey began modestly in Perth, flicking Steven Finn off his pads for his first run. The shot has since become one of his trademarks.

Since then, his Ashes résumé has grown to near-mythical proportions:

• Part of Australia’s Mitchell Johnson-inspired demolition in 2013-14
• Captain during the legendary 2017-18 series, scoring 687 runs, including three centuries
• A career total of 13 Ashes centuries, second only to Bradman

While Australia greats such as Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh may still boast higher career run totals, many now regard Smith as the finest Australian batter since Bradman.

---

Quirks, Chaos and Complete Control

If Smith’s recent run drought had unsettled observers, this innings had all the hallmarks of his unique brilliance.

There were the familiar quirks:

• Pausing play when spectators moved behind the sightscreen
• Berating himself aloud for missed scoring opportunities
• Rolling flat onto his back mid-innings, limbs scattered
• Gesturing wildly after failing to dispatch part-time spinner Jacob Bethell

At one point, he attempted a tennis-style forehand smash to a Matthew Potts bouncer, later holding his arms wide to signal a wide delivery himself.

Former Australia batter Mark Waugh captured the essence of it perfectly.

“You won’t see it in the textbook the way he plays,” Waugh said.
“Talking to himself, gesturing, rolling on his back – but he’s got the job done.”

Even Smith acknowledges that his behaviour reflects comfort rather than chaos.

“When I’m doing all those things it probably means I’m in a good zone,” he said.

---

Sydney: Smith’s Fortress

This was Smith’s fifth Test century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he grew up and where his record borders on the extraordinary.

His batting average at the SCG now stands at 72.05, underlining his mastery of conditions.

“I just love batting here,” Smith said.
“It’s my home deck. I know the ground really well. The pace of the wicket really suits the way I play.”

By the time he raised his bat to the England supporters – many of whom have sledged him relentlessly throughout the series – his shirt was stained with dirt and sweat, a visual reminder of the grind he had imposed.

For all his greatness, Smith has never sought aesthetic perfection. His method may look ungainly, but its effectiveness is undeniable.

---

Not the End – Just Another Chapter

Bradman’s Ashes records – 5,028 runs and 19 centuries – remain untouchable. But Smith’s hunger shows no sign of fading.

While Khawaja is expected to retire after this Test, Smith has been clear that he is not ready to walk away.

“I want to keep playing,” Smith said.
“I’m still enjoying it. I’m contributing and having fun, so there’s no real end date for me.”

Fellow centurion Travis Head echoed that sentiment.

“He prides himself on his batting ability but also his leadership,” Head said.
“While he’s enjoying it, he’ll hang around. I hope he’s here for a long time.”

When Smith left the field at The Oval on the final day of the 2023 Ashes, it felt like a farewell. This innings in Sydney felt like something else entirely – a statement of defiance, durability, and enduring brilliance.

Steve Smith may no longer dominate every series as he once did, but as England were reminded once again, he is far from finished.