Smith passes Hobbs to sit second only to Bradman in Ashes runs

Steve Smith scored 129 not out at the SCG to move past Jack Hobbs into second place on the all-time Ashes run list, leaving Donald Bradman still clear on top.

Steve Smith reached a personal milestone on the third day of the fifth Test in Sydney by scoring 129 not out and moving ahead of Jack Hobbs on the all-time Ashes runs list. The achievement is notable because Hobbs and Donald Bradman had long stood as the leading run-scorers in the England–Australia rivalry. Smith's innings mixed tentative moments with fluent scoring and included his trademark cover drives. The piece places the knock in the wider context of Smith's career phases and the series' limited run-scoring opportunities. Key facts: - Steve Smith scored 129 not out at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the fifth Test, as reported in the article. - That innings moved Smith past Jack Hobbs on the all-time runs list for matches between England and Australia; Hobbs had 3,636 Ashes runs against Australia. - Smith now ranks second on that list, with Donald Bradman remaining first on 5,028 Ashes runs. - The article notes this was Smith's fifth home-ground Test century and his second Ashes hundred in the series. Summary: The milestone places Smith second in the Ashes run charts and highlights a rare personal landmark within a storied rivalry. Australia’s upcoming Test schedule, which includes tours to South Africa, India and England and the 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne, will offer more innings in which players can add to their records.