In the annals of cricket history, few names shine as brightly as that of Steve Smith. The Australian maestro, with his unorthodox yet effective style, has etched his name into the record books with numerous match-winning performances. Among his most remarkable feats are the double centuries he has scored in Test matches against some of the toughest opponents in the world.
Steve Smith’s double centuries are a testament to his batting genius and his ability to perform when it matters most. Whether it’s against arch-rival England or other top-quality opponents, he has repeatedly proven his mettle and led Australia to victory. His unorthodox technique and unyielding spirit have made him a modern-day cricketing legend.
In this article, we’ll delve into four of Steve Smith’s double centuries, each showcasing his exceptional batting prowess and the impact he has had on the game.
Steve Smith’s Test Double Centuries
| Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 346 | 25 | 1 | England | Lord’s | 2015 |
| 239 | 399 | 30 | 1 | England | Perth | 2017 |
| 211 | 319 | 24 | 2 | England | Old Trafford | 2019 |
| 200* | 311 | 16 | 0 | West Indies | Perth | 2022 |
1. 215 vs England, Lord’s, 2015
During the second Test of the 2015 Ashes series at Lord’s, Steve Smith announced his arrival on the hallowed ground with a breathtaking display of batting. Coming in at 1-78, he crafted a masterful inning of 215 runs, punctuated by 25 fours and a six.
It was a knock of grit and determination, as he made the most of a dropped catch to reach his maiden double century. This historic innings made him only the third Australian to score a double century at Lord’s and proved to be a crucial factor in Australia’s 405-run victory.
2. 239 vs England, Perth, 2017
The WACA Ground in Perth witnessed Smith’s sublime batting in 2017 during the third Test of the Ashes series. Batting at 2-55, he teamed up with Mitch Marsh for a record-breaking 301-run partnership, as he compiled 239 runs, including 30 boundaries and a six.
His contribution helped Australia amass a mammoth total of 662, leading to an innings victory and an unassailable lead in the series. It was a fitting farewell gift to the iconic WACA Ground, and Smith’s name was etched in cricketing folklore once again.
3. 211 vs England, Old Trafford, 2019
In the 2019 Ashes series, Smith’s dominance over England continued in full force. After missing a previous Test due to a concussion, he returned to the side with renewed determination and produced a near-flawless innings of 211 runs.
His 24 fours and two sixes displayed his ability to both defend resolutely and attack when needed. This double century was his third in Ashes encounters and played a pivotal role in helping Australia retain the urn on foreign soil for the first time in 18 years.
Also Read: Top 5: Most 200s in The Ashes by a Player
4. 200* vs West Indies, Perth, 2022
Perth has been a happy hunting ground for Steve Smith, and in 2022-23, he added yet another milestone to his illustrious career. Against the West Indies, Smith combined with Marnus Labuschagne for a massive 251-run third-wicket partnership, guiding Australia to a commanding 4-598 declared.
His unbeaten innings of 200 runs, consisting of 16 fours, showcased his adaptability and determination to reclaim his past form. The result was a convincing 164-run victory for Australia.
Final Words
As Smith continues to grace the cricketing world with his presence, fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipate more breathtaking performances and remarkable milestones from this batting virtuoso.
His double centuries will forever remain etched in cricket history, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a reminder of the heights that can be reached through sheer talent, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the game.
Steve Smith’s double centuries epitomize batting brilliance. At Lord’s in 2015, he scored 215, becoming only the third Australian to do so at the iconic ground. In 2017, he notched 239 against England at Perth, contributing to a record-breaking 301-run partnership.
His 211 at Old Trafford in 2019 helped Australia retain the Ashes on foreign soil after 18 years. In 2022, he struck an unbeaten 200 against the West Indies in Perth.
Smith’s unorthodox yet effective style, coupled with his determination, has etched his name in cricketing folklore, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the game.
