Steve Smith’s back, baby.
The Australian run-scoring machine has equalled the legendary Sir Donald Bradman on 29 Test centuries, reaching triple figures against the West Indies at Perth Stadium on Thursday afternoon AEDT.
There are now only three Australians ahead of Smith on the all-time list — Matthew Hayden (30), Steve Waugh (32) and Ricky Ponting (41).
The right-hander brought up his century after 180 deliveries with an on-drive, removing his helmet and acknowledging the Perth crowd, including wife Dani.
“You’re watching the history of a true champion,” former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket commentary.
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Smith, who was unbeaten on 59 overnight, combined with fellow centurion Marnus Labuschagne for what was a 251-run partnership, the pair’s highest stand at Test level, to put Australia in a commanding position on day two.
The former Australian captain was battling a sore left hip, caused by a freak massaging mishap while using a pso-rite over the weekend.
The West Indies bowling attack had no answers for Smith, who punched through point whenever width was offered and flicked elegantly through mid-wicket when deliveries strayed onto the pads.
It was a vintage Smith masterclass, potentially the best he’s batted in the Test arena since the 2019 Ashes series. His Test batting average against the West Indies currently sits above 200.
“I’m feeling good,” Smith told Fox Cricket at the lunch break.
“I think the wicket’s just sped up a little bit today. I think there’s enough there if you put it in the right spot.”
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Last week, Smith warned his most prolific Test summer could be ahead of him following a minor change to his unique batting technique.
The 33-year-old has gradually adjusted his trademark back-and-across movement over the past 12 months, reverting to a more orthodox stance during the recent ODI series against England.
He is noticeably much stiller at the crease after tinkering with his action. Movement is less exaggerated, allowing his feet, hands and torso to synchronise more effectively, particularly when on the back foot.
“I’ve started to get rhythm in my batting, something I’ve lacked for a while now,” Smith told reporters in Perth on Sunday.
“I feel like I’m in a good place … I’m excited to hopefully spend a lot of time in the middle this summer.”
But these ongoing technical changes are inconsequential, according to Labuschagne.
“I don’t think it matters how Steve Smith bats, he’s going to find a way to score runs,” he told reporters on Wednesday evening.
”Give it twelve months, there’s certain to be something different.
“Everyone’s changing and trying to get better and sometimes you go down different loopholes and different feel, but this is what’s feeling really good for him at this stage.”
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