Top Five Best Innings of Steve Smith in Test Cricket

As we know, Steve Smith is one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, and Australian cricket is blessed to have such a great talent. Smith is known for his calm and composed attitude on the field which helps him to play longer innings and score a big number even in front of the best bowling attack.

In 142 ODIs, Steve Smith has scored 4939 runs at an average of 44.5, and in the T20 format, Smith has an average of 25.2 in 63 matches. However, his major contribution comes in the Test as Smith has scored a total of 8792 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 59.8.

For a long time, Steve Smith has been a major contributor to Australia’s Test squad. This year as well, Smith is expected to play a crucial role in the WTC Final and the Ashes 2023. In this article, we go down history lane and look at Smith’s 5 best innings in Test cricket.

1) 239 vs England (2017)

His best innings came during the Ashes 2017 at WACA Ground. England won the toss and decided to bat first and it turned out to be the right decision for the visitors as their innings ended up at 403 runs. In reply, Australia found themselves in a difficult situation as their opening order was quick to get back to the pavilion.

Steve Smith, who came at number four, saved the day for his team and scored 239 runs in 399 balls at a strike rate of 59.90. He displayed remarkable concentration and skill, dominating the English bowling attack throughout his innings.

2) 215 vs England (2015)

The Ashes has been a crucial series for Australia every year and especially playing a Test of the Ashes at the Lord’s. The team is always under pressure to play a good inning at the Lord’s. In 2015, during the second Test, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first.

The early exit of David Warner created pressure on the opener Chris Roger and Steve Smith who came at number 3. However, Smith’s patience kept him going and helped him score 215 runs in 346 balls at a strike rate of 62.14. His innings included 25 fours and one six.

3) 211 vs England (2019)

Smith’s highest individual score in the 2019 Ashes was 211 runs, which he achieved in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. His double century was instrumental in Australia’s effort to save the match, as rain affected the final day, resulting in a draw.

Overall in the Ashes 2019, Smith scored 774 runs across four Test matches, achieving an average of 110.57. He played a crucial role in the success of his team in 2019.

4) 200* vs West Indies (2022)

His one more double hundred came against West Indies in 2022 at Perth while playing the first Test against West Indies. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. After the early dismissal of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne handled the innings but after Usman Khawaja’s dismissal, Steve Smith came to bat and started building a partnership with Labuschagne.

Over time, both became an unstoppable force and Smith scored 200 runs in 311 balls at a strike rate of 58.29. He remained not out as Australia declared the innings at 598 runs.

5) 199 vs West Indies (2015)

Steve Smith has always been a positive influence on his teams and has helped Australia under challenging times. A similar situation happened in 2015 at Sabina Park in the second Test against West Indies when the opening pair, David Warner and Shaun Marsh, were dismissed early and the pressure came on the middle order to score runs.

Coming to bat at number three, Steve Smith scored 199 runs in 361 balls at a strike rate of 55.12. Smith’s contribution played a crucial role in Australia winning the match by 277 runs and securing a series victory.