If, by chance, he never walks onto the SCG again for Australia, the 46,161 fans in attendance will long remember the clinic they witnessed as Smith brought up Test century No.37 and his 13th against England.
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That tally leaves him sixth on the all-time list, one behind Sri Lankaโs Kumar Sangakkara (38) and four adrift of Ricky Pontingโs 41. Smith also went past Jack Hobbs into second place on the list for most Ashes runs, still behind Sir Donald Bradman.
Cam Green showed a level of confidence and composure not seen earlier in the series, belting a hook shot into the Brewongle Stand to raise hopes of a breakthrough knock on home soil.
But on 37, a Green pull shot failed to clear the rope, and he was caught by Ben Duckett, raising further questions about his place in the side.
Beau Webster (42 not out) chipped in with an entertaining cameo at No.9 – given Michael Neser was deployed as nightwatchman on day two – in his first Test innings since Australiaโs tour of the Caribbean. It was a strong message to selectors given Greenโs issues this summer.
Smith and Websterโs unbeaten partnership of 81 sets up Australia perfectly for day four against a tired England attack who look like they canโt wait to get home.
