WTC Final: Records galore as Steve Smith brings up 31st Test century against India
Steve Smith joined his compatriot Travis Head to pile more misery on a hapless Indian bowling lineup as he brought up his century in the World Test Championship final at the Oval on Thursday.
Smith smashed 19 fours to reach his 31st Test ton as he played a patient innings of 121, exactly opposite to Travis Head’s blering one on Day 1. Laced with 14 fours and one maximum, Head reached the triple figure mark off 106 deliveries.
Smith smashed a bevy of records on the way to the century, surpassing former Rahul Dravid (6) becoming player to have the second-highest number of Test centuries as a visiting batter in England, holding the dinction with Steve Waugh. He is only behind Don Bradman, who smashed 11 Test centuries in England.
Smith also leapfrogged over Matthew Hayden who has 30 centuries for the Baggy Greens, becoming the Aussie batter with the third highest number of Test tons for the national side.
He also also put on a record-breaking partnership with Head, stitching the highest fourth wicket partnership at The Oval with 285 runs.
On Wednesday, Australia had reached 327 for 3 at stumps on the the opening day of their World Test Championship Final against India.
Earlier, Australia, who were invited to bat, had added 97 runs in the post-lunch session in 28 overs for the loss of one wicket. They were 73 for 2 at lunch after opener David Warner made 43 off 60 balls.Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur took a wicket each on the day.
