December 15, 2024: Steven Smith’s return to form came at just the right time, as he hammered his 33rd Test century for Australia, delivering a masterclass in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. After enduring a lean patch, Smith’s elegant knock of 101 from 190 balls showed exactly why he is considered one of the best in the modern game. His innings was a perfect blend of balance, technique, and class, as he anchored the Australian innings alongside Travis Head in a memorable 241-run partnership.
While Head was his usual destructive self, Smith took on the role of the anchor, playing with measured aggression and caution, ensuring Australia stayed on track. His 33rd Test century moved him past Steve Waugh’s tally of 32, and placed him just eight shy of Ricky Ponting’s record of 41 centuries, a milestone Smith will surely have his eyes set on in the coming years.
Smith’s innings also solidified his love affair with India, as he became the joint record-holder with Joe Root for the most Test centuries against India. Both have now scored 10 centuries against the Indian team, but Smith achieved the feat in fewer innings—41 compared to Root’s 55. This record is a testament to Smith’s consistency and ability to deliver when it matters the most.
The century was particularly special for Smith as it marked the end of a 25-match wait for a three-figure score, his longest gap since his debut century. Before this, Smith’s longest century drought had been 22 innings, which made his return to the three-figure mark all the more significant.
Unfortunately for Smith, his century came to an end when he was caught behind off Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery, a moment that handed India a much-needed breakthrough. His dismissal brought an end to a chapter that saw him at his very best, but the foundations he laid with his knock ensured Australia’s strong position in the match.
Smith’s 33rd century, along with Travis Head’s blistering knock, propelled Australia to a total that could prove to be a game-changing moment in the Test. With the pair’s dominance on display, Australia looked to take full control of the match, with Smith’s sublime performance marking a return to his peak form just when his team needed it most.
