Top 5 batting performances - The Ashes in England 2013

5) Steve Smith (138, 5th Test, 1st innings)

Steve Smith celebrates after reaching his maiden century during day two of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 22, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Steve Smith was long considered the Sir Ravindra Jadeja of Australia. Hence it is fitting that, along with the latter, he chose 2013 as the year of his renaissance. A lot of eyebrows would have been raised when Steve Smith played all five Ashes Tests – he was added to the original squad only as an afterthought. Before Phil Hughes and Agar got together, Smith had been the only redeeming factor of the Australian innings in the first innings at Nottingham, and at Manchester he provided good support to Clarke but was unlucky to miss out on his century.

Opportunity sometimes comes knocking twice and Smith got his chance at The Oval after Watson had imposed himself on the new look English bowling attack. When Watson was finally dismissed, Australia was 289 for 4 and things could have easily gone pear –shaped from there. It was then that Smith decided to go into namesake Steve Waugh mode as he shepherded the lower order to take Australia closer to 500. Smith’s knock was the anti-thesis of Watson’s innings and both deserve their pride of place on this list.