Steve Smith once again reminded the cricketing world why his name is mentioned alongside the greatest batters in history with a sublime century at the Sydney Cricket Ground. On Day 3 of the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26, the former Australia captain delivered a composed and fluent innings when his team needed it most, silencing doubts that had followed him through a mixed series.
After modest returns in the earlier Tests, Smith’s bat finally spoke with authority in Sydney. His innings not only steadied Australia’s first innings but also tilted the momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour. More than the runs, it was the timing and manner of the knock that underlined Smith’s enduring value in high-pressure moments.
As the Ashes narrative unfolded, Smith’s century reignited comparisons with Sir Don Bradman. With records tumbling and milestones being approached, the Sydney Test became more than just another match. It turned into a reflection on legacy, greatness and how one modern-day great continues to chase the shadow of the greatest of them all.
Steve Smith Lights Up the Sydney Test
More #Ashes history for Steve Smith, who brings up another stunning SCG hundred 👏#MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/w76y8wGbWy
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026
Steve Smith’s unbeaten 129 was a throwback to his peak years, marked by patience, precise footwork and an unshakable temperament. Facing 205 deliveries, he crafted his innings with surgical control, peppering the boundary with 15 fours and a towering six. It was an innings built on discipline rather than flamboyance, perfectly suited to the demands of Test cricket.
Australia’s total of 518 for 7 gave them a commanding 134-run lead over England’s first-innings 384. Smith’s knock stood at the heart of that dominance, anchoring the innings as partners came and went. The Sydney crowd witnessed a masterclass that reinforced Smith’s reputation as a big-match player.
What made the century stand out even more was its context. This was Smith’s first hundred of the Ashes 2025-26, arriving in the final Test after a series of starts that failed to convert. When Australia required composure and authority, Smith responded with an innings that shaped the contest.
A Statement After a Mixed Ashes Series
Steve Smith moves past Jack Hobbs' tally of 3636 runs in The Ashes - only Don Bradman (5028) has more 📈#AUSvENG #Ashes pic.twitter.com/t5BmpkJeAU
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 6, 2026
The Ashes series had tested Steve Smith’s resilience. Despite flashes of brilliance, consistency had eluded him across the first four Tests. Critics questioned whether the relentless demands of modern cricket were finally catching up with the veteran batter.
The Sydney hundred served as a powerful rebuttal. It was not merely about personal redemption but about leading from the front when the series was on the line. Smith’s ability to rise at critical moments has been a recurring theme throughout his career, and this innings fitted seamlessly into that pattern.
As Australia pushed for control heading into Day 4, Smith’s presence at the crease offered reassurance. His calm demeanor and calculated approach allowed the team to dictate terms, reinforcing his status as one of Australia’s most dependable performers in Ashes history.
Smith Climbs the All-Time Ashes Run Charts
A hundred for Steve Smith at the SCG 💯
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 6, 2026
Only Don Bradman has scored more centuries than him in the Ashes 🇦🇺#AUSvENG #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/RmIBtkrhJ3
Whenever Steve Smith produces a defining performance in the Ashes, statistical comparisons with Don Bradman inevitably follow. The Sydney Test added another chapter to that conversation, with Smith continuing his climb up the all-time run-scoring charts in the storied rivalry.
With his unbeaten 129, Smith overtook Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history. His tally now sits behind only Don Bradman, who amassed 5028 runs at a staggering average across his Ashes career. The milestone further cements Smith’s place among the rivalry’s elite.
Smith also recorded his 13th Ashes century, second only to Bradman’s 19. These numbers highlight not just longevity but sustained dominance against England, reinforcing why Smith is considered one of the greatest Ashes performers of the modern era.
Surpassing Bradman in a Modern Milestone
While Don Bradman remains the gold standard in Test cricket, Steve Smith has managed to surpass him in a significant modern-era record. Smith now holds the distinction of scoring the most international runs by an Australian against a single opponent.
Across all formats, Smith has accumulated over 5000 runs against England, edging past Bradman’s Ashes tally. This achievement reflects the expanded landscape of modern cricket, where players face opponents across Tests, One Day Internationals and T20Is.
The record underscores Smith’s adaptability and longevity in an era of packed schedules and varied formats. While Bradman’s feats were confined to Tests, Smith’s numbers illustrate dominance sustained across multiple dimensions of the game.
Parallels Between Smith and Bradman
Steve Smith’s technical excellence and mental strength have often drawn parallels with Don Bradman. Both players possessed an extraordinary ability to shoulder responsibility and deliver match-defining performances under pressure.
Smith became only the second Australian after Bradman to maintain a Test batting average above 60 after crossing 2000 runs, a marker of elite consistency. His Ashes average further places him among the finest, trailing only a select few in Australian history.
Like Bradman, Smith has thrived in English conditions. Both batters scored more centuries in England than at home, highlighting their adaptability to challenging environments and their mastery over the game’s toughest contests.
What Truly Sets Them Apart
Despite the comparisons, Steve Smith and Don Bradman belong to vastly different cricketing eras. Bradman played in a time of uncovered pitches, limited protective gear and a singular focus on Test cricket, conditions that demanded a unique set of skills.
Smith’s career has unfolded in the modern era, characterized by advanced analytics, relentless schedules and the coexistence of multiple formats. His success across Tests, ODIs and T20Is speaks to a versatility that was not required in Bradman’s time.
Bradman’s legacy remains unmatched in terms of sheer dominance within a limited framework, while Smith’s achievements reflect adaptability and endurance in a complex, fast-evolving cricketing landscape.
Legacy in Numbers and Influence
Steve Smith’s international career numbers underline his impact across formats, with thousands of runs and dozens of centuries to his name. His ability to perform consistently against top opponents such as England, India and Pakistan highlights his standing among modern greats.
Don Bradman’s career statistics continue to stand as an almost mythical benchmark, defined by an average that has resisted comparison for decades. His influence shaped generations of cricketers and set standards that still inspire debate.
Together, their stories represent two peaks of Australian batting excellence. While Bradman’s shadow looms large over cricket history, Steve Smith’s journey shows how greatness can be redefined and sustained in the modern game, ensuring his legacy endures alongside the very best.
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