Top 10 Test Knocks by Steve Smith

image-ljpizypaSteve Smith's numbers in Tests cricket are beyond imitation (AP Photo)

As anticipation builds for the third Test at Headingley, Australian batter, Steve Smith, is on the cusp of a historic achievement. With the Ashes 2023 blazing on, the iconic Headingley Cricket Ground is set to witness an extraordinary moment as the Australian batting maestro gears up to step onto the field for his 100th Test match.


Steve Smith will play his 100th Test for Australia at Headingley

Admired as one of the modern game's most prodigious batsmen, Smith's journey to this coveted milestone has been nothing short of spectacular which is underscored by his numerous sensational knocks and an unquenchable hunger to take his game to the next level.

As Smith readies himself to take the field for his 100th Test, let’s take a look at the top ten knocks by the legendary batter in the purest format of the game.



10. 121 vs India, London, WTC Final, 2023

image-ljpj1bggSmudge slammed India with a 121 in the 1st innings of WTC Final (Twitter)

The crucial WTC 2023 final at the Kennington Oval in London saw Smith and Travis Head lead Australia's charge, scoring 121 and 163 runs respectively. Their partnership propelled Australia to a massive total of 469. Smith's composed innings saw him face 268 balls, wearing down the Indian bowlers. In response, India struggled to keep up and eventually suffered a 209-run defeat. Smith once again proved his mettle, playing a key role in securing Australia's first-ever WTC title.


9. 141* vs England, Brisbane, Ashes 2017/18

In the 2017/18 Ashes at Brisbane, Smith's unbeaten 141 was an epic tale of resilience. Trailing England's first innings score of 302, Australia was struggling at 76-4 when Smith stepped up. His meticulous defense and deft stroke play over 326 balls helped the hosts overtake England’s score. His significant knock which spanned nearly nine hours, laid the foundation for Australia's emphatic 10-wicket victory.


8. 215 vs England, Lord's, Ashes 2015

During the Ashes 2015 at Lord's, Smith's magnificent 215 along with Chris Roger’s ton guided Australia to a dominating position. Showcasing a perfect blend of patience and aggression, Smith tamed the English bowling, helping Australia amass 566/8 in their first innings. His double century, packed with flawless technique and solid concentration proved pivotal as Australia cruised to a 405-run victory. The modern-day legend’s masterclass at the 'Home of Cricket' underscored his status as a premier Test batsman.

7. 239 vs England, Perth, Ashes 2017/18

Smith's majestic 239 off 399 balls in the Ashes 2017/18 was a tour de force that took the wind out of England's sails. Against a challenging English attack, Smith's patient yet aggressive knock was key in guiding Australia to a mammoth 662/9 declared. His dominance was instrumental in Australia's overwhelming innings and 41-run victory and his performance was crucial in sealing Australia's grip on the coveted urn. Notably, this is also Smith’s highest score in Tests.


6. 100 vs South Africa, Centurion, 2014

Facing a lethal South African attack consisting of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, a young Smith scored a fighting 100 (fourth of his career) that turned the tide for Australia. Coming in at a tricky 98-4, Smith steadied the ship with a determined approach and took Australia to a competitive total of 397. His century marked a pivotal point in the game which eventually led to a significant 281-run victory for Australia. By Smith’s own admission, this knock gave him the self-belief and made him feel that he belonged at this level.


5. 192 Vs India, Melbourne, 2014

Smith's splendid 192 against India in the Melbourne Test of 2014 was an absolute batting masterclass. Displaying sublime shot-making and commendable patience, Smith subdued the Indian bowling attack, guiding Australia to a commanding first-innings total of 530. His knock comprising 15 fours and two sixes, was a mixture of class and dominance. Despite India's spirited response led by centuries from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya, the match ended in a draw but Smith's batting marked his arrival as Australia's middle-order lynchpin.

4. 211 vs England Manchester, Ashes 2019

image-ljpjehalSmith's spellbinding knock ended on 211 at Manchester (Twitter)

Smith's astounding double-century at Old Trafford during the Ashes 2019 helped Australia post 497/8 in the first innings. Even as England struggled to claw back, Smith’s masterful 82 in the second innings set a massive target of 383. Ultimately, England fell short by 186 runs. This memorable win, largely due to Smith's heroics during the series which marked his return after suspension, enabled Australia to retain the Ashes on English soil after 18 years.


3. 199 vs West Indies, Jamaica, 2015

Smith's breathtaking 199 against West Indies in Jamaica underpinned his phenomenal batting brilliance. Having been dismissed just a whisker away from a double ton, Smith's knock nonetheless showed his classical stroke play and the ability to dominate the opposition. His crucial contribution in the first innings followed by an unbeaten fifty helped Australia secure a 277-run win over the Windies.


2. 109 vs India, Pune, 2017

image-ljpj8gttSmith's animated no-run shout got viral during BGT 2017 (bcci.tv)

Smith's stellar 109 against India on a challenging Pune pitch highlighted his mastery over spin on a challenging track. The dynamic batter expertly navigated the minefield of a spin-friendly surface and manoeuvered Australia to a commanding position against formidable Indian spinners. His century, under the baking Indian sun in the second innings, put the Aussies in a commanding position. Ultimately, the task proved to be a bit too much for Indian batters as they were dismissed for 107 and lost the game by a whopping 333 runs.


1. 144 & 142, vs England, Birmingham, Ashes 2019

Smith's twin centuries during the 2019 Ashes series are widely hailed as the best outings by a visiting batter on foreign soil. After serving a year-long ban in the infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal, Smith faced a belligerent atmosphere from the English fans. However, he responded with sheer brilliance, displaying immense bravery and playing an array of counter-attacking shots en route to a magnificent 144 in the first innings.

Despite England taking the lead, Smith's brilliance continued as he notched another century and firmly placed Australia in control of the game. The visitors eventually won the game 251 runs, thanks to Smith's exceptional impact on the match.