Ashes 2025-26: Fans go wild as Steve Smith lights up SCG with 37th century in Test cricket

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The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed another chapter of modern Ashes folklore on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test as Steve Smith produced a masterclass under pressure. Australia’s stand-in captain brought up his 37th Test century in style, igniting wild celebrations among fans and reaffirming his status as one of the greatest Ashes batters of all time. The knock not only put Australia firmly in control but also underlined Smith’s enduring love affair with the SCG.

Smith reached the landmark on the second ball of the 110th over, facing Jacob Bethell. A shorter delivery outside off was guided neatly through backward square leg for three, sparking deafening applause across the stands. Smith removed his helmet, raised his bat to every corner of the ground, kissed the Australian badge, and acknowledged his wife in the crowd — a moment soaked in emotion and significance.

It was Smith’s 37th Test hundred and his 13th against England, further enhancing a staggering Ashes record. Batting at his home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Smith once again proved why the venue has been such a prolific hunting ground throughout his career.

Responding to England’s first-innings total of 384, Australia were 234/3 when Smith walked in. With the match delicately poised, the skipper batted with a blend of composure and proactiveness, absorbing pressure before shifting gears. His intent was clear from the outset as he rotated strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries without taking unnecessary risks.

Smith stitched together crucial partnerships that swung momentum decisively in Australia’s favour. A commanding century stand with Travis Head (163) laid the foundation, followed by a steady alliance with Usman Khawaja. Later, his 71-run partnership with Cameron Green ensured Australia surged past the 400-run mark, securing a strong lead.

This innings was another reminder of Smith’s unparalleled impact in the Ashes. Time and again, he has risen in high-pressure moments against England, and this century — achieved in the final session of Day 3 — was no exception. His ability to dictate terms, even against a disciplined attack, highlighted his tactical awareness and technical excellence.

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As Smith brought up his hundred, the SCG erupted. Fans rose to their feet, chants echoed through the stadium, and social media was flooded with praise. Many hailed it as yet another ‘Smith Ashes classic,’ while others called it a reminder of why he remains Australia’s ultimate big-game player.

More #Ashes history for Steve Smith, who brings up another stunning SCG hundred 👏#MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026

A captain’s statement from Steve Smith 💯#WTC27 | 📝 #AUSvENG: https://t.co/s3J1ihg2Gy

— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith alone has more Ashes centuries than the whole of England’s current squad put together.

•Steve Smith – 13•England – 11 (Stokes-4, Root-6, Crawley-1)

Across conditions, across continents, the greatest there is, was, ever will be.

— Rafi (@rafi4999) January 6, 2026

37th Test hundred for the greatest Test batsman of all time 🔥

Steve Smith the undisputed king of Test cricket 😎

— Honey (@stevensmithclub) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿Steve Smith in Test 🗿🗿🗿🗿Steve Smith in ODI 🗿🗿🗿🗿Steve Smith in RCB 🤡 🤡 🤡🤡Steve Smith in RPS🗿🗿🗿🗿Steve Smith in Australia 🗿🗿Steve Smith in Knockouts🗿🗿🗿Steve Smith against England 🗿🗿

— ` (@Itz_Bl3ze) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith has scored a century in every Ashes series he has played in except one series.

That was the Ashes 2021/22 where his highest score was 93 in Adelaide.

HE IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.

— Cric Bug 🇦🇺 3 – 1 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Smithian_here) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith the test batter is a different gravy for all those years. Certainly one of the best ever red ball batter.

You can not keep him quiet for too long in this format. He absolutely loves this English bowling attack, activates his inner beast everytime he plays against…

— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith has had just two failures in the entire Ashes 2025 👌

The runs might not look massive, but his off days have been rare this series and he even missed the best batting pitch at Adelaide due to illness.

— Honey (@stevensmithclub) January 6, 2026

Test hundred no. 37 for Steve Smith 💯✨#SteveSmith #Ashes2025 #CricketTwitter

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 6, 2026

Another Ashes hundred for Steve Smith to kickstart 2026 in some style. Had a relatively quiet series but smudge has turned the table today.

The greatest Test cricketer is all set for 2026, and we’re seated for one more year of his prime.

— 37th Test ton (@Smithfield49) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith is Inevitable https://t.co/qhzbKQuoLf

— Vaibhav Sharma (@ImVaibhav020) January 6, 2026

Waiting 334 Days for this Iconic Celebration from My Man Steve Smith Captain 🥺😭💛37th Test Century from Modern Day Sir Don Bradman Jr of our Generation 🐐🔥😍century At his Home Ground Sydney Cricket Ground ( SCG ) #AUSvsENG #Ashes2025 #SteveSmith

— Srinivas Mallya🇮🇳 (@SrinivasMallya2) January 6, 2026

Most Test Centuries as Captain at Home:

– 11: Ricky Ponting– 11: Steve Smith*– 10: Greg Chappell– 10: Virat Kohli– 09: Don Bradman

— Abdul Rehman Yaseen (@Aryaseen5911) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith with his 37th Test Hundred, He is one of the greatest in the modern time , He loves cricket more than anything his passion, love and determination shows that, Congratulations to @cricketcomau and @stevesmith49 #AUSvsENG

— Nikhil Pathak (@web3devop) January 6, 2026

🚨STEVE SMITH CREATED HISTORY🚨

– Steve Smith now has the 2nd Most Hundreds in Ashes series History. #SteveSmith #Ashes2025 #Ashes #AUSTRALIA #ENGLAND

— urstruly (@VikashChou70911) January 6, 2026

Most Test Hundreds​51 – Sachin Tendulkar​45 – Jacques Kallis​41 – Ricky Ponting​41 – Joe Root​38 – Kumar Sangakkara​37 – Steven Smith​36 – Rahul Dravid

​Most Ashes Hundreds​19 – Don Bradman​13 – Steven Smith​12 – Jack Hobbs​10 – Steve Waugh​9 – Wally Hammond​9 –…

— Neeraj (@NeerajY00859341) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith completes his century 👏

37th hundred #Ashes

— Sharik (@siddiquisharik1) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith is easily the best Test batter of today's times.. his technique, mindset, style of hitting shots is absolutely class apart. Such a fine player. #Ashes2025 #Ashes

— Prajakta ~ (@pprja_14) January 6, 2026

STEVE SMITH DOES IT AGAIN AT THE SCG. 👑

5th hundred at his home ground.37th Test ton.13th Ashes hundred — only Bradman ahead.

Still owning the biggest stage. 🏏👏

— CricBharat (@DilPrabhat88) January 6, 2026

Steve Smith is back to batting like he just got released from an mental asylum. You love to see it👊🏻

— Abhiram Degwekar (@AbhiramDegweka8) January 6, 2026

A master at work 💯Steve Smith brings up another quality hundred at the SCG in Ashes 2025.Pure Test cricket excellence.#Ashes2025 #SteveSmith

— Akshay Sharma 🇮🇳 (@theakshay1968) January 6, 2026

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Travis Head decimate England on Day 3 of the Sydney Test