Australian cricketer Steve Smith said that he overcame his nervousness over getting out for 89 at Old Trafford and went on to make his maiden Test hundred at the Ashes finale, thanks to a chat with wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin.
According to Sport24, Smith's 138 not out powered Australia to an imposing first innings total of 492 for nine declared on the second day as they sought a consolation win in The Oval after England had already taken the series at 3-0 up.
The report further said that England were 32 without loss, a deficit of 460 runs after bad light ended play for the day.
Smith, who achieved the coveted landmark in style with an on-driven six off occasional medium-pacer Jonathan Trott, said that although he was nervous after getting out for 89 in the drawn third Test, he managed to overcome his anxiety after chatting with Haddin and decided to give a go with Trott bowling.
Expressing his happiness at getting his first century in his 12-Test career, Smith also said that he feels that his game is going fine at the moment, adding that he is probably leaving the ball better than he has done before.
According to the report, Smith was 66 not out and nightwatchman Peter Siddle 18 not out following Shane Watson's Test-best 176 on Wednesday.
Smith, whose previous Test-best was the 92 he made against India in Mohali in March, batted for more than six-and-a-half hours and faced 241 balls with 16 fours and two sixes, the report added.
