Steve Smith vs Joe Root - Comparing Test Stats After 36 Centuries

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Steve Smith and Joe Root [Source: @cricbuzz, @abdullahhammad4/x.com]Steve Smith and Joe Root [Source: @cricbuzz, @abdullahhammad4/x.com]

The Australian stalwart Steve Smith has picked up brilliant form in the longest and purest format of the game. He has scored consecutive Test centuries in Sri Lanka.

In the first Test of the series, Smith played a brilliant hand and scored 141 runs off 251 deliveries. He continued his momentum into this game and scored another Hundred, putting Australia on the front foot in the game. 

With this century, Smith has completed his 36th Test Hundred, which is similar in number to the English maestro Joe Root. In this article, we will compare the Test stats of the two modern greats of Test cricket after their 36th Test Century.

Steve Smith vs Joe Root: Overall Comparison

Categories
Steve Smith
Joe Root
Matches116152
Innings206278
Runs10,27112,972
Centuries3636
Average
56.7450.87
Innings/100
5.727.72

The comparison makes it clear that Steve Smith has achieved the feat in 72 innings less. Although, Joe Root has scored more runs that Smith, the Aussie star has been more consistent than Root. Smith has a better average than the English batter and also scored centuries more frequently than Joe Root. 

Steve Smith vs Joe Root: Home Tests

Categories
Steve Smith
Joe Root
Matches5878
Innings100137
Runs5,0156,758
Centuries1821
Average59.7054.94
Innings/1005.556.52

When it comes to performances in Home Tests, we see a similar thing like the overall stats. In this case also Steve Smith has shown more consistency and has scored centuries more frequently than Root. However, Root has more runs and centuries than Smith in his home conditions as he has played about 20 more tests.

Steve Smith vs Joe Root: Away Tests

Categories
Steve Smith
Joe Root
Matches5371
Innings96135
Runs4,827
5,927
Centuries1715
Average55.4846.66
Innings/1005.649

When it comes to away Tests, Steve Smith is ahead of Joe Root in all aspects. The English batter only has the volume of runs over Smith. However, Smith has been more consistent and impactful in away Tests than Joe Root.

Conclusion

Both Steve Smith and Joe Root now have 36 test centuries under their belt. However, a comparison of the Test stats of the two stars make it clear that Steve Smith has been way more consistent and impactful that Joe Root.