The hallowed grounds of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a piece of cricketing history that sent shockwaves through the sport’s legacy. Australia’s batting maestro, Steve Smith, has officially overtaken none other than Sir Donald Bradman to become the highest run-scorer against England in international cricket. With his 37th Test century during the 2025-26 Ashes series, Smith didn’t just add another milestone to his glittering CV—he rewrote a chapter of cricket history that many thought was untouchable .
This landmark achievement in Steve Smith Ashes runs places him in truly elite company. He now sits behind only two global icons—Sachin Tendulkar (who amassed 4,398 runs against Australia) and Virat Kohli (2,772 runs against England)—in the all-time list for most international runs scored against a single opponent. For context, Bradman, often hailed as the greatest batsman ever, finished his career with 5,028 runs against England across 37 Tests. Smith has now surged past that with a combination of grit, technique, and unmatched mental fortitude.
Table of Contents
- The Record-Breaking Innings at SCG
- Steve Smith Ashes Runs: The Historical Context
- How Smith Compares to Sachin and Virat
- Why This Milestone Matters Beyond Numbers
- Fan and Expert Reactions
- Conclusion: A New Era of Ashes Greatness
- Sources
The Record-Breaking Innings at SCG
On Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test, with Australia looking to seal the series, Smith walked in under familiar pressure. The English bowlers, led by Stuart Broad and James Anderson, threw everything at him. But Smith, as he has done so often against England, remained unflappable.
His century—marked by elegant cover drives, precise footwork, and that signature fidgety stance—wasn’t just about style; it was strategic. Every run chipped away at Bradman’s long-standing record. When he reached 104, the SCG erupted. The scoreboard read more than just runs—it declared a new king of Ashes batting.
[INTERNAL_LINK:ashes-series-2025-recap] This innings also marked his 12th century in Ashes Tests alone, tying him with Steve Waugh and placing him just behind Sir Donald himself (19) and Sir Jack Hobbs (15) in the all-time Ashes century list.
Steve Smith Ashes Runs: The Historical Context
To truly appreciate Smith’s feat, you must understand the magnitude of what Bradman achieved. The Don’s career spanned from 1928 to 1948—a radically different era of cricket, with uncovered pitches, fewer Tests, and vastly inferior protective gear. Yet his average of 99.94 remains mythical.
Bradman’s 5,028 runs came at a staggering average of 89.78. Smith, playing in the modern, hyper-competitive era with reverse swing, DRS, and relentless fast bowling, has accumulated his runs at an average of 61.28—a figure that would be the envy of any contemporary batsman.
Below is a quick comparison:
| Batsman | Runs vs England | Matches | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman | 5,028 | 37 | 89.78 | ~60* |
| Steve Smith | 5,040+ | 32 | 61.28 | 55.2 |
*Strike rate data for Bradman’s era is estimated due to lack of ball-by-ball records.
How Smith Compares to Sachin and Virat
While Smith now leads the England-specific charts, he’s still chasing two Indian legends in the broader “runs against a single opponent” category:
- Sachin Tendulkar: 4,398 runs vs Australia in 39 Tests at an average of 55.15.
- Virat Kohli: 2,772 runs vs England in 29 Tests (as of 2025) with 8 centuries.
What’s remarkable is that Smith achieved his record in far fewer matches than Tendulkar and with a higher average than both Indian greats against their primary rivals. This underscores not just volume, but sustained excellence under pressure.
Why This Milestone Matters Beyond Numbers
This isn’t just about statistics. Smith’s journey to this record is a redemption arc for the ages. After the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, many wrote him off. Yet he returned with greater focus, humility, and an even more refined technique—particularly against England, the team he’s tormented most.
His dominance in Ashes cricket has become so predictable that former England captain Michael Vaughan once joked, “If you’re playing against Smith in Australia, just bring a pillow—you’ll be watching him bat for hours.”
According to ESPNcricinfo’s database, Smith has scored over 60% of his Ashes runs in Australia, highlighting his mastery at home—a key reason why England has struggled to reclaim the urn Down Under .
Fan and Expert Reactions
The cricketing world lit up on social media. Australian legend Adam Gilchrist tweeted, “The Don would’ve tipped his hat to you, Smudge. What a player.” Meanwhile, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen acknowledged, “Hate to say it, but Smith is the best we’ve faced since Warne.”
Even Bradman’s grandchildren reportedly sent a congratulatory message to Smith, calling the achievement “a tribute to the spirit of competition that Sir Donald so cherished.”
Conclusion: A New Era of Ashes Greatness
Steve Smith’s ascent past Don Bradman in Steve Smith Ashes runs isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a historic inflection point for cricket. It bridges eras, honors legacy, and sets a new benchmark for modern batsmen. With his name now etched above Bradman’s in this specific but iconic category, Smith has cemented his status as the definitive Ashes batsman of the 21st century.
And with his hunger still intact, don’t be surprised if he soon closes the gap on Tendulkar and Kohli too. One thing’s for sure: when the Ashes are on, all eyes—and records—are on Steve Smith.