A look at Steve Smith’s impressive run of Ashes knocks

Steve Smith has continued his remarkable run of scores against England with two fine innings, including a double century, in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Here, the PA news agency looks back at a fine sequence stretching back to the start of the 2017-18 Ashes series.

2017-18

First Test, Brisbane (141)

England already knew plenty about Smith heading into the series, the then captain having scored five previous hundreds against them, including 215 at Lord’s in 2015. His first-innings ton at the Gabba helped set up a 10-wicket win.

Second Test, Adelaide (40 & 6)

A relative failure on this occasion but Australia still won by 120 runs.

Third Test, Perth (239)

A magnificent double century, and a brilliant 301-run stand with Mitchell Marsh, nullified hundreds from England’s Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow to set up an Australia victory by an innings and 41 runs.

Fourth Test, Melbourne (76 & 102no)

A double century from Alastair Cook put England in control but Smith’s second-innings ton ensured Australia secured a draw.

Fifth Test, Sydney (83)

Fell short of a fourth hundred in the series but Australia still won by a commanding innings and 23 runs.

2019

First Test, Edgbaston (144 & 142)

Brilliant twin hundreds on his return to the side after suspension set up victory for Australia by 251 runs.

Second Test, Lord’s (92)

Again resisted England until being struck on the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer, who had earlier hit him on the arm, and was forced to retire hurt. He later returned and hit three more boundaries but he missed the rest of the match – and the third Test at Headingley – after suffering delayed concussion.

Fourth Test, Old Trafford (211 & 82)

Back after injury, Smith showed Australia what they had been missing with a dominant 211 in the first innings and by following up with 82 in the second.

He cracked 24 fours and two sixes in his third career double century, although he did survive scares when dropped on 65 and when caught off a no ball when 118.

Removing him for ‘just’ 82 in the second innings, hitting out as Australia chased quick runs, constituted a relative success for England.