Former Australia captain and maverick batter, Steve Smith is arguably the greatest contemporary batter in Test cricket. Once a leg-spinner, Smith transitioned into one of the modern-day greats with an exemplary skill set and determination. And now he has reached a point in his career where it seems to break a record every time he walks into bat. On Day 2 of the ongoing Sydney Test between Australia and South Africa, the 33-year-old smashed a fantastic century and in doing so broke two major records. The right-handed batter scored 104 runs off 192 balls with the help of 11 fours and two sixes.
After reaching the three-figure mark, Smith overhauled Sir Don Bradman's century mark in test cricket. Bradman scored 29 Test tons for the Baggy Greens and it was Smith's 30 ton in Test cricket in Sydney on January 05 (Thursday). Smith also became the fourth-leading run-scorer for Australia in Test cricket as he overhauled former captain Michael Clarke's tally of runs.
After his historic outing at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Smith was asked about his retirement plan and his answer left everyone surprised.
"I don’t know. We’ll see" Smith told reported after Day 2.
"I’m enjoying it at the moment. I really can’t say how long I’ll play for. I’m not sure. Take it one tour at a time. Just enjoy it and enjoy training and trying to get better as well. Whilst I’m doing that I’m happy playing. But I don’t know how long it’ll last," he added.
Before the start of Day 3, the former Australia captain clarified his comments and quashed all rumours of retirement.
"I’m not going anywhere, I’m comfortable with where everything’s at," Smith told Fox Sports before the start of the third day of the final Test.
"We’ve got a few good tours coming up. I’m excited and I’m still trying to get better.
"So, whilst I have that hunger and eagerness to try and improve, and particularly helping some of the younger batters coming through, while I’m doing all that, I’m enjoying myself and I have no plans for retirement," he added.
Meanwhile, Day 3 of the Sydney Test was a complete washout with relentless rain playing spoilsport. The Baggy Greens lead the three-match series 2-0.
