Australian batting great Steve Smith etched his name deeper into Ashes folklore on Tuesday, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the Ashes, moving past England legend Jack Hobbs. Smith achieved the landmark during Australia’s first innings on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
With this feat, Smith now sits just behind the incomparable Don Bradman, who remains the all-time leading run-getter in the iconic series.
Smith Overtakes Jack Hobbs in Elite Ashes List
Smith crossed Jack Hobbs’ long-standing tally of 3,636 Ashes runs, setting a new benchmark of 3,644 runs in 41 matches and 73 innings, averaging an outstanding 56.93. The milestone further underlines Smith’s dominance against England, a rivalry in which he has consistently thrived across conditions and eras.
Hobbs, one of England’s finest openers, had amassed his runs at an average of 54.26, with 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries. Smith has now matched those tallies with 13 hundreds and 15 fifties, but with a superior average.
Bradman Still the Benchmark
At the top of the Ashes run charts remains Sir Don Bradman, whose record appears almost untouchable. Bradman scored 5,028 runs in just 37 matches, averaging a staggering 89.78, along with 19 centuries—a standard that continues to define greatness in Test cricket.
Joe Root Features Among Ashes Greats
England’s modern-day batting mainstay Joe Root also features prominently on the all-time Ashes run list. Root currently sits eighth, having accumulated 2,822 runs in 39 matches and 74 innings at an average of 41.50, including six centuries and 18 half-centuries. His recent 160-run knock in the ongoing Test further strengthened his credentials as one of England’s finest Ashes performers of this generation.
Another Test Century for Smith
Smith’s knock in Sydney was not just historically significant—it was emphatic. The right-hander brought up his 37th Test century, which also marked his 13th Ashes hundred, allowing him to move past Jack Hobbs (12) on the Ashes centuries list. Only Bradman, with 19 tons, remains ahead.
Match Situation
Australia find themselves firmly in control of the Test after commanding batting performances from Travis Head, who scored a magnificent 163, and Smith’s century. The hosts have already surpassed England’s first-innings total of 384, putting themselves in a dominant position as the match heads towards a decisive phase.