In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Australia's premier batter Steve Smith matched former England captain Joe Root's tally of scoring the most centuries (nine) in Test cricket against India. Smith achieved this feat by scoring 121 runs on the second day of the World Test Championship final at The Oval.
On the morning of day two, Smith wasted no time in reaching his century, needing just two balls to go from his overnight score of 95 not out to breach triple figures. With successive flicks on half-volleys from Mohammed Siraj, he secured his 31st Test century.
Having established his dominance, Smith continued to excel at The Oval, now boasting three Test centuries at the venue. Only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (11) has scored more centuries in matches between India and Australia.
Virat Kohli, speaking about Smith's consistency in Test cricket, praised his adaptability, understanding of situations, and ability to play accordingly to the conditions. Kohli emphasized that Smith is the best Test player of their generation and acknowledged his remarkable average of almost 60 over 85 or 90 games.
With his ninth century, Smith is now just one century behind Steve Waugh in the list of players with the most Test centuries for Australia. Ricky Ponting leads the way with 41 hundreds.
Smith's seven centuries in England also place him joint-second with Steve Waugh for the most centuries by visiting batsmen in the country, trailing only Sir Don Bradman's 11 centuries.
Furthermore, Smith surpassed Ponting's record to become the second quickest player to reach 31 Test centuries, accomplishing the milestone in just 170 innings. Only Sachin Tendulkar achieved it in fewer innings (165).
Kohli acknowledged the challenge of playing against Smith and highlighted the opposition's constant efforts to find ways to dismiss him. Smith's ability to adapt to different situations makes him a formidable opponent, and his exceptional skills make him the best in Test cricket, according to Kohli.
The cricketing world continues to marvel at Steve Smith's extraordinary achievements, solidifying his position as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.