Just at the right time, when the team needed him, Steve Smith delivered. Another fifty-plus score in Whites, this time at the all-important final, at the 'ultimate test' in Lord's against South Africa. 

Surprisingly for many, it was South Africa at the driving seat in the first session of the day. Kagiso Rabada took back-to-back two wickets in a single over. Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green departed when Australia was on 16. From there, Steve Smith stood tall and helped his team to shape the first innings after a turbulent start. Under a cloudy sky and grass on a wicket, SA bowlers were shining with the red ball in hand. 

After an effective spell from Rabada, Marco Jansen joined the party and claimed a couple of wickets. Smith also had to survive a few close calls. The right-handed batter somehow managed to stick on the wicket and waited for the right moment to rotate the strike. Patience is the right key to survive in the lively track of Lord's; Smith decoded the formula and applied it. Aiden Markram in the 42nd over caught the Aussie batter defenseless. 

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Record breaking innings in England from Steve Smith 

Smith departed after playing a wonderful 112-ball, 66-run innings decorated with 10 boundaries. Australia lost their fifth wicket in 146. South Africa, so far, has been under control and looking composed. 

- Hundred vs India in WTC final 2023.
- Fifty vs South Africa in WTC final 2025.

STEVE SMITH - THE GREATEST TEST BATTER OF MODERN ERA 🐐 pic.twitter.com/qOBelzMtLz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 11, 2025

With the 50-plus innings, Steve broke an all-time record on English soil. He surpassed two legends—Sir Vivian Richards and Allan Border. Both of them scored 17 fifty-plus scores in England, while Smith now has 18.