GALLE, Sri Lanka — In a strong display of batting, Steve Smith secured his 36th test century, leading Australia to a dominant position at 330-3 by the end of day two in the second test against Sri Lanka. The pair of Smith and Alex Carey built an impressive partnership worth 239 runs, leaving Australia with a 73-run lead and seven wickets still in hand.
Smith’s innings at stumps stood at a commanding 120 not out off 239 balls, while Carey matched his effort with an aggressive 139 not out off just 156 deliveries. This marked Smith’s second century of the series and Carey’s second test hundred overall, both delivered in remarkable fashion.
After an early wobble that saw Australia fall to 37-2, Smith joined forces with Usman Khawaja to stabilize the innings, forming a vital 54-run partnership for the third wicket. Khawaja, who previously scored a double century in the first test, started well but his promising innings came to an end when he was dismissed by off-spinner Nishan Peiris (2-70 off 21 overs) after a poorly timed pull shot.
Smith took some time to find his rhythm and had a moment of concern when he was given out lbw at a score of 24, but successfully overturned the call on review. Gaining confidence, he began to put pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Meanwhile, Carey exhibited a blend of aggression and elegance, effectively employing sweeps and varying his shots all around the wicket. Smith relied on his signature pulls and drives.
Smith reached his century with a stylish pull shot to mid-wicket, while Carey celebrated his ton with another confident sweep. Although Carey scored runs at a brisker pace, Smith was determined to stay the course and build a substantial innings.
With Sachin Tendulkar holding the record for the most test centuries at 51, Smith’s accomplishment places him in a tie for fifth alongside England’s Joe Root and India’s Rahul Dravid.
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis acknowledged Smith’s prowess: “We know that Steve Smith is someone who has scored runs all over the world. His numbers in Asia are unbelievable.” Carey filled the role at No. 5 due to Josh Inglis being unwell, and he capitalized on the opportunity by hitting 13 fours and two sixes during his innings, while Smith added nine boundaries and one six.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a total of 257 after opting to bat first, a score that seemed below par on a good batting pitch, with Mendis contributing a determined 85 not out.
As the new ball approaches on Saturday, Sri Lanka’s bowlers will be eager to make quick breakthroughs. Carey emphasized the importance of surpassing the new ball challenge, stating, “We need to nullify that and then go on and get as much as possible.” He noted Smith’s problem-solving abilities by saying, “He played some risky shots and executed them well.”
