In a display of classic resilience and skill, Steve Smith, the Australian cricket stalwart, has scored his 33rd Test century, putting an end to a 25-inning drought without a ton. The achievement came during the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane.
Steve Smith roars back into form in grand style
Smith, who has been under scrutiny for his form in 2024, showcased his trademark patience and technique, reaching his century off 185 balls. This knock not only marked his return to form but also elevated him to the elite club alongside Joe Root with 10 Test centuries against India. His innings was a blend of gritty determination and skillful stroke play, leading Australia to a commanding position on the scoreboard.
Magnificent partnership with Travis Head
The second day had started with India picking two early wickets on an overcast morning. However, Smith and Travis Head, who scored a blistering century himself, formed a formidable partnership, turning the game around. Smithโs century was particularly notable given the challenging conditions and the quality of the Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Fans erupt as Travis Head lights up Gabba with a stellar century on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test
Shining moment at Gabba
This century is a significant milestone in Smithโs career, placing him just behind few stars for the most Test centuries by an Australian. It comes after a period where Smith had averaged only 23.20 in 2024 and was enduring his longest stretch without a hundred.
Notably, the Gabba has always been a fortress for Australian cricket, but this innings by Smith added another layer to its storied history. The crowd at the Gabba gave Smith a standing ovation, acknowledging not just the milestone but the effort it took to reach there amidst his recent batting struggles.
Here is how Netizens reacted
An amazing moment for Steve Smith as he brings up his 33rd Test hundred! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/qv5LBYktZb
โ cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 15, 2024
Um hello Steve Smith, welcome back #AUSvIND
โ Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 15, 2024
Steve Smith doing what he does best ๐ซ#WTC25 | #AUSvIND ๐: https://t.co/WA6ogWzLA3 pic.twitter.com/41UUOervYg
โ ICC (@ICC) December 15, 2024
Great ๐ฏ @travishead34 @stevesmith49 @abcsport , change game again . Loved watching both legends at play. @HelixPlayers ๐๐๐
โ Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 15, 2024
THE GREATEST TEST BATTER OF MODERN ERA โ STEVE SMITH ๐ฅถ pic.twitter.com/MuMCtQ0R4s
โ Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2024
Nothing like watching a world-class batter get his due for all the hard work he puts in & itโs been a privilege watching hours & weeks of @stevesmith49 work his way back to the peak of his powers & to make a calculated prediction on his return. What a knock #AusvInd https://t.co/4h9VBr1PoG pic.twitter.com/2MaOz5dEpZ
โ Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 15, 2024
Most Centuries against India
15 โ Steve Smith*
14 โ Ricky Ponting
13 โ Joe Root
11 โ Viv Richards
11 โ K SangakkaraGOAT is Back.. pic.twitter.com/tA9hh0X3DV
โ Rafi (@rafi4999) December 15, 2024
The Greatest test batsman of this generation: Sir Steve Smith ๐ pic.twitter.com/5YSyyLeNMl
โ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐งโข (@Itzshreyas07) December 15, 2024
Steve Smith’s comeback innings comes to an end ๐#SteveSmith #AUSvIND #Gabba #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/oQyFf1zWKV
โ CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 15, 2024
Steve Smith in fab 4 race. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/ODgwsW0mmh
โ Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 15, 2024
Steve Smith legging it today. Off side fielders having a lengthy break through the first 100 balls of his innings! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/POfccLaikN
โ Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 15, 2024
Steve Smith, always brilliant #INDvAUS
pic.twitter.com/E6TW85E8hPโ Bihar (@bihar) December 15, 2024
He’s Back โฆ My boy @stevesmith49 ๐๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/krQUP4xmaC
โ T @ เคฐเฅ เฐฃเฑ ! (@mass_boy1) December 15, 2024
What a knock โ
Modern day master of test cricket.๐
A classic century ๐ฏ.
Congratulations @stevesmith49 ๐๐๐ป pic.twitter.com/tzWwRjzPxYโ Gaurav Srivastava๐ฎ๐ณ (@ImSaheb11) December 15, 2024
Alsoย WATCH: Mohammed Siraj pulls bail swapping trick; Marnus Labuschagne falls in next over on Day 2 of the Gabba Test