Steve Smith equals Rahul Dravid's massive Test record, gets on level terms with Joe Root

Steve Smith celebrates his 100 with Alex Carey (AP Photo)

Leading his side from the front, Steve Smith produced a sensational batting display in the ongoing second Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in Galle. He went to complete his 36th ton in the format as Australia dictated the proceedings on Day 2 of the match. Smith's resilient effort, which featured a mammoth 239-run stand with Alex Carey helped Australia reach 330/3 at Stumps.

The visitors, who already are 1-0 up in the two-match series, were leading by 73 runs at the close of play. Smith, who is batting on 120(239), will resume proceedings on Day 3 with Carey, who also completed his ton.

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Meanwhile, the effort by Smith also saw him equal India legend Rahul Dravid's record as he jumped into the list of top five batters with most ton in the traditional format. Both Smith and Dravid have the same number of ton, but the Australian have played significantly less number of matches compared to the former India captain and coach.

Smith achieved the feat in his 116th appearance while Dravid has played 164 Tests. Additionally, the knock by Smith also helped him get on level terms with Joe Root, who too has the same number of Test tons but in 152 matches.

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Meanwhile, this was Smith's 17th ton as captain and 7th in Asia.

This was Smith's second ton of the series. The Australian skipper took time to settle and had a nervy moment on 24, given out LBW before successfully overturning the decision on review. Once past that, he shifted gears and put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure with his trademark pulls and drives. Smith reached his century with a controlled pull to mid-wicket.

- with AP inputs