Steve Smith surpasses Joe Root to hit most Test centuries against India; joins Gavaskar and Lara in all-time list

Australia's commanding performance on the second day of the ongoing Test match was significantly boosted by his outstanding innings, which has helped the team establish a strong position against India. The hosts displayed a bold and aggressive mindset in the morning session, putting pressure on the visitors and asserting their dominance on the field.

Smith's 34th Test century sees him tie for seventh place on the all-time list for most Test centuries. He now shares this spot with cricket legends such as Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, and Brian Lara, each of whom made an indelible mark on the game.

With 36 centuries, England's Joe Root is the only current player ahead of Smith in this prestigious list, but the Australian has now set his sights on breaking into the top five. The most remarkable aspect of Smith’s journey is his consistency, having achieved this milestone faster than all the former players who ended their careers at 34 centuries in the format.

Most centuries vs India

Smith's century against India also made him the most successful batter in Tests against the subcontinent giants. His 11 centuries against India are the most by any player in Test cricket, overtaking England's Joe Root, who has 10.

Here's the list of players with most centuries against India in Tests:

Steve Smith (Australia) - 11Joe Root (England) - 10Gary Sobers (West Indies) - 8Vivian Richards (West Indies) - 8Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 8

Smith also equalled the legendary Donald Bradman, as well as Matthew Hayden and Jack Hobbs for most Test centuries at the MCG (5).

With his latest milestone, Smith has further closed the gap with former Aussie captain Ponting (41 centuries) for most Test hundreds for Australia.

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