Second only to The Don, Smith wears down England again The sun-drenched Sydney Cricket Ground played host to another Ashes masterclass from Steve Smith, as the Australian batting maestro etched his name further into the record books with a defiant display against England. On the third day of the fifth and final Test, Smith strode to the crease with his side in trouble at 86-3, still trailing the tourists by a significant margin. But in a performance that has become all too familiar for the English, the former Australian captain calmly set about dismantling their bowling attack, compiling a well-crafted 67 to guide Australia to a more respectable total. In doing so, Smith surpassed Sir Don Bradman's record of 5,028 runs scored in Ashes cricket - a remarkable achievement that cements his status as one of the modern game's all-time greats. With 5,037 runs to his name, the 33-year-old now trails only the legendary 'Don' in the pantheon of Ashes run-scorers, a testament to his remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level. "Steve Smith is just a different class," said former England captain Nasser Hussain in commentary. "The way he manages to wear down bowling attacks, find the gaps, and just grind out runs is truly extraordinary. He's a nightmare for any team to face, let alone one that's already struggling to contain him." Indeed, Smith's Ashes dominance has been a persistent thorn in England's side for the best part of a decade. Since making his debut in the 2013 series, the right-hander has amassed 8 centuries and 28 fifties against the old enemy, averaging a staggering 60.53 in the process. His ability to frustrate and outlast opposing bowlers has become the stuff of Ashes legend, with the Poms seemingly powerless to stop his relentless accumulation of runs. Whether it's grinding out a gritty half-century or compiling a match-defining ton, Smith has time and again proved to be England's nemesis - a fact not lost on the long-suffering supporters. "He's just got our number, hasn't he?" lamented one English fan on social media. "No matter what we try, he just keeps scoring runs against us. It's like he's got a sixth sense for where the gaps are and when to rotate the strike. Absolutely infuriating to watch as an England fan." But while Smith's mastery of the Ashes stage is undoubtedly frustrating for the English, it's a testament to his remarkable skill and dedication to his craft. A perfectionist by nature, the Aussie has worked tirelessly to hone his unorthodox technique and mental resilience, transforming himself into one of the most dominant batsmen of his generation. "Steve Smith is the kind of player that comes along once in a generation," said former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. "His attention to detail, his work ethic, and his sheer determination to succeed are qualities that set him apart. He's a true student of the game, and he's driven by a burning desire to be the best that's ever played." Indeed, Smith's journey to the top has been anything but straightforward. After making his Test debut as a promising leg-spinner, he struggled to cement his place in the Australian side, with his batting often overshadowed by the exploits of his more illustrious teammates. It wasn't until the 2013 Ashes series that Smith truly announced himself on the international stage, scoring a vital century in the third Test to help secure a famous victory for the Australians. From that point on, he never looked back, cementing his place in the side and quickly establishing himself as one of the world's premier batsmen. "That 2013 Ashes series was a real turning point for me," Smith reflected in a recent interview. "I'd always believed in my ability as a batsman, but I think that innings in Manchester really gave me the confidence and self-belief to take my game to the next level. From that point on, I was determined to prove that I belonged at the top of the game." And prove it he has. In the years since that breakthrough performance, Smith has gone on to become a regular fixture in the Australian side, leading them to numerous Ashes and series victories with his consistent run-scoring exploits. Along the way, he's amassed a slew of individual accolades, including the ICC Test Player of the Year award on two occasions. But for all his individual achievements, Smith remains driven by a burning desire to lead his country to success on the international stage. With the Ashes already lost, the Sydney Test represents a chance for the Australians to salvage some pride and end the series on a high note - and there's no one better suited to lead that charge than the indomitable Steve Smith. "This team has been through a lot over the past few years, both on and off the field," Smith said. "But we're determined to finish this Ashes series on a positive note and give our fans something to cheer about. And there's no better way to do that than by putting in a dominant performance, with the bat leading the way." As the final day of the fifth Test dawns, all eyes will be on Smith once again, as the Australian maestro looks to add another chapter to his ever-growing Ashes legacy. Whether he can surpass Bradman's record and lead his side to victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Steve Smith will give everything he's got to wear down the English once more.