Steve Smith admitted he was “cooked” after Ashes series.
In a series dominated by the ball, Smith stood a cut above the rest, amassing 774 runs at 110.57. It is the fifth-highest run tally in Ashes history behind Bradman (1930, 1936-37), Wally Hammond (1928-29) and Mark Taylor (1989).
"First test is always important in an Ashes series and to pull the team out of trouble gave me the confidence to know I could slot straight back in and perform," Smith said. "I have given it my all while I have been here for the last four-and-a-half months but I didn't have much more to give today. I was pretty cooked mentally and physically and I am looking forward to a couple of weeks off and heading back for the Australian summer."
Smith scored 1251 runs during that stretch of 10 consecutive innings. The previous record for such a streak against one opposition belonged to Don Bradman (1236 runs v England, 1937-1946).