"I’ve played long enough to know the game turns" - Steve Smith after his drought-ending ton on day 2 of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Veteran Australia batter Steve Smith said he had never lost faith in his ability and trusted hinself to eventually turn things around. The 35-year-old's statement came after his drought-ending century in the ongoing Brisbane Test against India.

Smith was under heavy scrutiny leading into the third Test of the series against India as he had managed only 19 runs across two matches, including a golden duck. While he survived some close shaves, he didn't throw his wicket away and completed a hard-fought ton. It was Smith's first since the Lord's Test in the Ashes series last year.

Speaking to reporters after day two of the ongoing Test, the veteran acknowledged that he rode the luck a handful of times and got beaten. As quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, he remarked:

"I’ve played long enough to know the game turns. You’ve got to keep the faith. I rode my luck today, got beaten a few times … on another day I might nick one. I felt like I was playing well. It was nice to get some rewards. It’s been a little while. It was cool to contribute today. I had a couple of nice balls and got strangled down the leg side. I feel like I’ve been batting well the last month. I’ve been trusting it will turn around."

Jasprit Bumrah got the better of the 36-year-old, breaking a 241-run partnership between him and Travis Head. This was Smith's tenth Test ton against India, the joint-most againsr the Men in Blue along with Joe Root.

Steve Smith surpasses Steve Waugh in elite list

Meanwhile, Steve Smith 's 33rd Test century means he has now gone past Steve Waugh (32) for the most hundreds in the format by an Australian, with only Ricky Ponting (41) ahead of him.

Moreover, his 241-run partnership with Head on day two was the bedrock as the hosts finished the day at a commanding 405/7.

While the hosts are in the driver's seat, they will need to factor potential inclement weather in Brisbane to emerge victorious. The series is currently locked at 1-1.