• Source:JND
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JE Sports Desk: Australian batter Steve Smith achieved an elite milestone in his career as he stepped on the field to play the 100th Test of his career in the third Test against England at Headingley in Leeds.

Ahead of the game, Smith shared a story on his Instagram handle which reads, "Special shirt for my 100th test".

https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1676840898204930048

Steve Smith has performed well so far in the series. In 99 matches, Smith has scored 9,113 runs with an average of 59.56. He has scored 32 centuries and 37 half-centuries.

Only 15 cricketers are part of Australia's "hundred club," but Smith will join an even more restricted group as one of only three hitters in the history of the sport to have played 50 or more Tests and averaged at least 59.

Smith had scored 110 runs in the first innings of the second test match, providing a solid base for Australia.

"Proud is the word I suppose," said Smith when asked about his feeling about the milestone. "The longevity I have had in the game and what I have been able to achieve across those 100, it's been a great journey. I have loved every moment of it. To walk out in a couple of days' time at Headingley for my 100th, I am extremely excited," he said.

Australia started the Ashes series with a narrow win with the skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's resilient effort in the lower order.

They also won the second match despite a valiant 155-run knock from English skipper Ben Stokes. Australia, however, have some concern as their experienced spinner and in-form bowler Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the series sustaining an injury to his calf while running in from the square leg boundary in the second test. Lyon has taken nine wickets in two matches.

(With ANI inputs)