Smiths Unbeaten 129 Puts Australia in Command, New Milestone in Ashes History

Australia moved into a commanding position against England in the fifth and final Ashes Test, riding on a magnificent unbeaten century from captain Steve Smith. At the end of Day 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia were 518 for 7, holding a 134-run lead in reply to England’s first-innings total of 384.

Smith remained unbeaten on 129, scored off 205 deliveries and laced with 15 fours and one six. He was ably supported by Beau Webster, who was also not out on 42 from 58 balls, including four boundaries.

Australia resumed the day on 377 for 6, with Smith and Cameron Green steadily building the innings. The hosts brought up the 400-run mark in the 98th over, and the Smith–Green partnership added 50 runs before Brydon Carse broke the stand in the 108th over by dismissing Green for 37.

Smith brought up his 37th Test century in the 110th over. With this innings, the Australian captain became the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, surpassing England great Jack Hobbs. Smith now has 13 Ashes centuries, moving past Hobbs’ tally of 12 and trailing only Sir Don Bradman, who scored 19 hundreds in the historic rivalry.

Smith and Webster continued to dominate in the final session, putting England under sustained pressure. Australia crossed the 500-run mark in the 121st over, and no further wickets fell as the hosts ended the day in a strong position.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 384 in 97.3 overs after opting to bat first. Joe Root anchored the innings with a superb 160, providing England with a fighting total. Harry Brook contributed 84 runs, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith added 46.

For Australia, Michael Neser was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 60, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland claimed two wickets each.

With a sizeable lead and set batters at the crease, Australia are firmly in control of the match.