So Many Emotions Came Out In This Moment - Steve Smith Picks His Favourite Test Century

Steve Smith has hit 27 hundreds for Australia in his Test career so far, and currently averages 61.80 in 77 Tests. Of those 27, now, the right-hander has named the century at Edgbaston on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes against England at his favourite Test ton.

The primary reason for Steve Smith to cherish that brilliant knock was that he was returning to Test cricket after serving his one-year ban, which he had copped for his involvement in the Sandpaper Gate fiasco in Cape Town in 2018. The other two culprits, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft also made their Test returns in that game, but remained under fire.

Steve Smith, though, was at his absolute best; as if he never went away. Australia were reeling at 122/8 in the first innings, and needed their talisman to bale them out. Steve Smith obliged.

With support from bowlers Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon, the right-hander dragged the side to a decent total of 284; 144 of his own. The total would eventually prove enough as the pitch deteriorated day by day.

“On this day 2 years ago I scored my favourite Test 100. So many emotions came out in this moment and I’ll always cherish it,” Steve Smith tweeted recalling his return.

On this day 2 years ago I scored my favourite Test 100. So many emotions came out in this moment and I’ll always cherish it p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->V<!---->9<!---->O<!---->x<!---->F<!---->y<!---->5<!---->h<!---->i

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Steve Smith hits twin hundreds in the game; Helps Australia retain the Urn

England gained a crucial lead of 90 runs in the first innings. In Australia’s second essay, once again Smith rose to the occasion. He slammed another century in the second innings – another gem of 142 runs. This time Matthew Wade, with a century, partnered Smith and both helped Australia set a mammoth target of 398 runs for England, who were comfortably beaten by 251 runs as the visitors took an early series lead.

Australia would go on to draw the series 2-2, but that meant they would retain the Urn which they had won at home in 2017. Steve Smith plundered 774 in 4 Tests – he missed one match due to concussion – at an average of 110.57, with the help of 3 centuries and 3 fifties, including a best of 211.

Steve Smith, who averages 65.11 against England, is waiting patiently for his next Ashes – the home series in December-January.

Also Read: PCB Are Welcome To Raise The Matter At The ICC: BCCI Official On KPL Row