Australia skipper Steve Smith scored a century when his team needed it the most and single-handedly bought Australia back in the game against England in the first Ashes Test being played at Gabba.

Smith surpassed the record of legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar and became the third fastest batsman to reach 21 Test centuries. He reached 21 Test tons in just 105 innings, while Gavaskar and Bradman reached there in 98 and 56 innings respectively.

However, Sachin took 110 innings to reach 21 Test tons.

1. Bradman – 56.
2. Gavaskar – 98.
3. SMITH – 105.
4. Tendulkar – 110.
5. Md. Yousuf (Yousuf Youhana) – 120

Smith frustrated England’s modern-day ‘Bodyline’ fielding strategy, kept Australia’s hopes flashing with his gritty knock in an engrossing struggle between bat and ball.

Australia was bowled out for 328 before Tea will a lead of 26 runs with Smith being unbeaten at 141.