Australia vs England 5th Test: Veteran batter Steve Smith's latest masterstroke, a record-shattering century, not only underscores his outstanding control over the bat but also mails a deep statement of Australia's purpose in the championship race.

The stand-in captain's sublime technique, razor-sharp intuitions, and relentless determination have become a hallmark of his team's success and his record-breaking innings.

In the 5th Test against England in 2026, Smith unleashed a majestic 129, etching his name into the history books and propelling Australia to a commanding lead.

ALSO READ: Vijay Hazare Trophy: Devdutt Padikkal Engraves Name In History Books With Third 600-Run Season

This innings, part of Australia's decisive Ashes victory, saw Smith shatter numerous records, including outperforming Sir Don Bradley's tally of Test centuries against England.

Smith's incredible run continued as he bagged his 37th Test century, further cementing his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.

Smith zoomed past Hobbs’s 3636 to be second only to the great Sir Don Bradman in the Ashes top run scorers’ list. His 13 hundreds against England are also only bettered by Bradman, who has 19 centuries.

The star batter made his Ashes debut in 2010 at Perth and it took him 15 innings to record his maiden century, which came in 2013 at The Oval, and the veteran batter hasn’t looked back since. His best innings came in an Ashes series in 2019 when Australia travelled to England for four Tests in which Smith amassed 774 at an average of 110.57.

ALSO READ: 5th Test: Head, Steve Smith's Centuries Put Australia In Driving Seat As Hosts Take 134-Run Lead On Day 3

Batters with most Ashes centuries

Don Bradman (AUS): 37 matches, 19 centuries

Steve Smith (AUS): 41 matches, 13 centuries

Jack Hobbs (ENG): 41 matches, 12 centuries

Steve Waugh (AUS): 45 matches, 10 centuries

David Gower (ENG): 38 matches, 9 centuries

Wally Hammond (ENG): 33 matches, 9 centuries

How Smith's Record-Shattering Century Gives Sign Of His Championship Aspirations

At 36, Smith is defying age and anticipation with a record-shattering century that screams, "I'm not done yet!" His magnificent performance in the 5th Test against England is a masterclass in style, character, and sheer supremacy, making a strong case for his inclusion in likely Australia's squad for the WTC final in 2027 (if Australia qualify for WTC).