Steve Smith etched his name deeper into Ashes folklore on Sunday, overtaking Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history.
The Australian captain reached the milestone with a commanding century during the Sydney Test. His innings followed an explosive knock of 163 by Travis Head, which helped Australia secure a first-innings lead over England.
Steve Smith moved past Jack Hobbs, trailing only the Don for #Ashes runs.
Check out his highlights from another stunning century: https://t.co/GJMPiR9Rnn pic.twitter.com/pYbzjEy3pk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026At 36, Smith recorded his 37th Test century and his 13th hundred against England. The achievement lifted him past Hobbs on the all-time Ashes run chart. Only Don Bradman now sits above Smith in the historic series standings.
Steve Smith moves past Jack Hobbs' tally of 3636 runs in The Ashes – only Don Bradman (5028) has more 📈#AUSvENG #Ashes pic.twitter.com/t5BmpkJeAU
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 6, 2026Bradman remains the benchmark of Ashes greatness, but Smith’s consistency and dominance against England continue to set him apart in the modern era. His latest performance underlined his status as one of Australia’s greatest Test batters and a defining figure of this Ashes contest.
