The cricketing world witnessed a seismic shift on the hallowed grounds of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in January 2026. In a display of sheer will and technical mastery, Steve Smith didn’t just score a century; he rewrote history. His 37th Test hundred wasn’t just another milestone—it was the moment he officially surpassed the iconic Sir Donald Bradman to become Australia’s all-time leading run-scorer in the Ashes.
This isn’t just about numbers on a scorecard. This is about a modern-day genius etching his name above a demigod of the sport. But perhaps the most astonishing part of this story is that Smith’s achievement is just a stepping stone. He now finds himself in the rarefied air of a global club, trailing only two Indian titans: Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, for the most runs ever scored against a single opponent in international cricket.
Table of Contents
- The Ashes Crown: Smith Dethrones a Legend
- A Global Perspective: Where Smith Stands Against Kohli & Tendulkar
- The Elite Club: Most Runs Against a Single Opponent
- Why This Steve Smith Ashes Record Matters So Much
- Summary
- Sources
The Ashes Crown: Smith Dethrones a Legend
For decades, Sir Donald Bradman’s Ashes record was considered untouchable. His final tally of 5,028 runs against England, amassed between 1928 and 1948, was a testament to his otherworldly talent . It was a mountain that every great Australian batsman, from Greg Chappell to Ricky Ponting, had tried and failed to scale.
Steve Smith’s journey to the top has been methodical and relentless. On his path to glory, he first surpassed Jack Hobbs’ 3,636 runs, then Allan Border’s 3,222, and now, the ultimate benchmark has fallen [[6], [5]]. With this latest knock, Smith’s Ashes run tally has soared past the 3,600-mark, cementing his status as the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the rivalry, now only behind Bradman’s overall Test run tally against England .
A Global Perspective: Where Smith Stands Against Kohli & Tendulkar
While the Ashes is the pinnacle of Anglo-Australian cricketing rivalry, the record for most runs against a single opponent across all formats of international cricket paints a different, global picture. Here, Smith’s achievement places him in an exclusive club dominated by Indian legends.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Australian Legacy
The “Master Blaster,” Sachin Tendulkar, forged a legendary rivalry with Australia. Across his 22-year career, he amassed a staggering 6,707 runs against the Aussies in Tests and ODIs combined. His 3,630 Test runs against them, at a phenomenal average of 55.00, remain a gold standard for batsmanship under pressure [[30], [37]]. His battles with Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Brett Lee are the stuff of folklore.
Virat Kohli’s Modern Dominance
Virat Kohli, the modern run-machine, has built his own formidable record against Australia. He has accumulated over 2,451 runs in ODIs alone against them and a further 2,232 runs in Tests, showcasing his incredible consistency across all conditions [[23], [25]]. His aggressive style and mental fortitude have made him a constant thorn in Australia’s side for over a decade.
The Elite Club: Most Runs Against a Single Opponent
Steve Smith’s feat against England now places him firmly on this prestigious list. Here’s a look at the current landscape of this incredible record:
| Player | Opponent | Format | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | Australia | All International | 6,707 |
| Virat Kohli | Australia | All International | ~4,700+ |
| Steve Smith | England | Tests (Ashes) | ~3,600+ |
| Don Bradman | England | Tests (Ashes) | 5,028 |
While Bradman’s 5,028 Ashes runs are a monumental figure, it’s important to note that Smith’s achievement is specifically for an Australian against England, a distinction that carries immense weight in cricketing folklore. As Smith’s career continues, there’s a genuine possibility he could even challenge Bradman’s overall run tally from the era.
Why This Steve Smith Ashes Record Matters So Much
This record is more than just statistics. It represents a bridge between cricket’s most revered past and its dynamic present.
- Legacy Validation: For all his genius, Smith has often been a polarizing figure. This achievement, surpassing a national icon like Bradman in the most sacred of Australian contests, is a powerful validation of his place among the all-time greats.
- The Ashes Crucible: The Ashes is a unique pressure cooker. The skill of the bowlers, the intensity of the rivalry, and the weight of history make every run incredibly hard-fought. Dominating in this environment, as Smith has done, is a different kind of greatness.
- A Global Benchmark: By now comparing his name alongside Tendulkar and Kohli, Smith’s success transcends the Australia-England rivalry. It places him in a global conversation about consistency, longevity, and dominance against a top-tier opponent.
Summary
Steve Smith’s journey from a leg-spinner who reinvented himself as a batsman to the man who has now scored more Ashes runs for Australia than anyone before him, including the great Don Bradman, is nothing short of extraordinary. His 37th Test century was a personal triumph that echoed through cricketing history. While he now looks up at the colossal international records set by Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli against Australia, Smith’s own Steve Smith Ashes record stands as a permanent testament to his mastery, resilience, and his unique place in the pantheon of cricketing legends. His next challenge? Chasing down Bradman’s overall run tally and solidifying his claim as the greatest Ashes batsman of all time. For more on legendary cricketing battles, check out our deep dive into [INTERNAL_LINK:best-batting-duels-in-cricket-history].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Steve Smith overtakes Don Bradman: Now behind only Kohli and Tendulkar”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ashes/steve-smith-overtakes-don-bradman-now-behind-only-virat-kohli-and-sachin-tendulkar-as-aussie-rewrites-ashes-history-at-scg/articleshow/126369085.cms
[2] ESPNcricinfo. “Sir Donald Bradman – The King of the Ashes Career Stats”. https://www.espncricinfo.com/
[3] ESPNcricinfo. “Sachin Tendulkar in Numbers”. https://www.espncricinfo.com/
[4] ESPNcricinfo. “Virat Kohli in Australia in international cricket Matches”. https://www.espncricinfo.com/
[5] Wisden. “Steve Smith becomes second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history”. https://www.wisden.com/