Steve Smith Sets Record for Most Test Centuries Against India

Steve Smith's return to form has been a long-awaited moment for Australian cricket fans, and his performance in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy could not have been more fitting. After a below-par start to the series, Smith swiftly regained his rhythm, scoring back-to-back centuries that were as much about his remarkable comeback as they were about his dominance over India. These centuries not only put Australia ahead in the series but also showcased that Steve Smith’s love affair with India is alive and well.

Smith’s 34th Test century, and his fifth at the MCG, was a historic moment. With this century, Smith not only brought Australia back into the game but also set a new record for the most Test centuries against India. His tally of 11 centuries against India surpassed the previous record held by Joe Root, who had scored 10 centuries against the Indian team. Smith’s achievement in this regard is all the more impressive considering he reached this milestone in just 43 innings, while Root took 55 innings to reach 10. This consistency speaks volumes about Smith’s dominance and preference for playing against India, who have often been a challenge for many of the world’s best batters.

Most Test Centuries Against India

• Steve Smith: 11 Centuries in 43 Innings
• Joe Root: 10 Centuries in 55 Innings
• Gary Sobers: 8 Centuries in 30 Innings
• Viv Richards: 8 Centuries in 41 Innings
• Ricky Pointing: 8 Centuries in 51 Innings

What made this century even more special was the context—it came on Boxing Day at the MCG, a venue where Smith has historically excelled. The emotional and symbolic significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. It was a statement of not just Smith’s personal resilience but also his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages. The momentum he carried from his outstanding performances at the Gabba earlier in the series seemed to have propelled him to even greater heights at the MCG. Smith’s comeback was not just about runs but about restoring confidence and reaffirming his status as one of the best in the business.

Smith’s love for playing against India is evident in his record. In addition to his 11 centuries in 43 innings, Smith also holds an impressive record for his first innings scores against India in Australia. Out of 11 innings, Smith has scored seven centuries, a remarkable feat considering the challenging nature of Indian bowling. While his record is not without its flaws—he has also been dismissed for two ducks in these innings—the consistency of his big scores against India speaks volumes.

 Here’s a breakdown of his first innings scores against India in Australia:

162, 133, 192, 117, 0, 131, 36, 0, 101, 140

These numbers highlight his dominance, with seven centuries in just 11 innings—a staggering achievement for any batter, particularly against one of the most competitive teams in world cricket.

Beyond the stats, what stands out is Smith’s approach to batting against India. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most formidable opponents for the Indian bowlers. His ability to adapt, stay calm under pressure, and deliver when Australia needs him most has made him a key figure in Australian cricket. His performances, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, continue to cement his legacy as one of the best to ever play the game.

Smith’s consistent success against India, along with his record-breaking century, is a testament to his immense skill, determination, and mental toughness. As he continues to break records and lead Australia from the front, his love affair with India seems set to continue for years to come.