Smith’s 37th Test century anchors Australia to 518/7, lead England by 134 runs

Key Highlights

• From the outset, he looked in complete command, dispatching short balls with authority and driving deliveries through the covers with immaculate timing.
• His unbeaten 129-run knock came courtesy of a measured blend of patience and aggression, including deft cuts and powerful pulls that showcased his mastery of the SCG pitch.
• As he reached the milestone, Smith raised his bat to a roaring SCG fans, kissed the badge on his helmet, and acknowledged his family in the stands, a testament to his deep connection with the home ground.
• Smith’s innings was complemented by Travis Head, who scored a fluent century of his own, and Cameron Green, whose quick 37 provided momentum in the middle order.
• Yet it was Smith who set the tone, rotating the strike, punishing loose deliveries, and constructing a resilient platform for Australia’s total.