Australian batting great Steve Smith created a huge Ashes record on Tuesday, becoming the second-highest run scorer in the storied history of the rivalry. The landmark record was achieved by Smith on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test against at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Batting in Australia’s first innings, the ever-reliable Smith, slamming his 37th Test century, moved past England legend Sir Jack Hobbs to take second place on the all-time Ashes run charts. Hobbs, who held the position for decades, had accumulated 3,636 runs across 41 matches and 71 innings, averaging an impressive 54.26. His collection of runs included 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries.
Smith climbed to 3,644 runs from 41 matches and 73 innings. Smith has registered 13 centuries and 15 fifties in Ashes cricket. Australian icon Sir Donald Bradman continues to stand alone as the leading run-scorer in Ashes history. Bradman amassed 5,028 runs in 37 matches and 63 innings. His Ashes record has 19 hundreds and 12 half-centuries.