Ashes: Steve Smith reaches historic mark, sits behind only Don Bradman

Steve Smith reaches historic mark (AP Photo)

Steve Smith further cemented his place in Ashes history by surpassing Allan Border to become Australia's second-highest run scorer against England in Tests. Smith achieved the milestone during the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which Australia lost by four wickets.

After succumbing to Josh Tongue for just nine runs in the first inning, the seasoned batter put up a fight in the second. Smith remained undefeated on 24 from 39 balls, standing nearly alone as Australia's batting folded cheaply on a rather difficult surface.

Smith with 12 hundreds and 14 half-centuries in 72 innings has amassed 3,553 runs at an average of 55.51 in 40 Tests versus England. Border, on the other hand, had amassed 3,548 runs at an average of 56.31, including 21 fifties and eight hundreds in 47 Tests against them.

With an astounding 5,028 runs at an average of 89.78 in 37 Tests, Sir Don Bradman is the only player still ahead of Smith.

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Meanwhile, the fourth Test became a fast-paced, bowler-dominated struggle. After winning the toss, England decided to bowl, a move that paid off right away. Josh Tongue recorded England's first-ever five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG with a remarkable spell of 5/45.

Michael Neser led the way with 35 and Usman Khawaja added 29 as Australia were bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs. Before a run-out caused another collapse, Neser and Cameron Green's brief half-century collaboration provided some resistance.

England's response was just as brittle. Harry Brook scored 41 and Gus Atkinson 28 as they were dismissed for 110 in just 29.5 overs. Australia had a narrow first-innings lead of 42 thanks to Neser's 4 for 45 bowling lead and hometown favorite Scott Boland's 3 for 30.

The sequence continued into the second inning. Australia were bowled out for 132 in 34.3 overs. Smith and Travis Head, who scored 46, were the only players to surpass 20. England managed to keep the target within sight with 4 for 34 from Brydon Carse and 3 for 24 from Ben Stokes.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England a decent start in their pursuit of 175. Later, Crawley and Jacob Bethell added 47 more, then Harry Brook and Jamie Smith maintained their composure to lead England to a much-awaited triumph.