Smith continues London love affair

Steve Smith has continued his love affair with The Oval by scoring a defiant century in the morning session of day two in the final Ashes Test.

Report & highlights: Day two at The Oval

Smith scored his maiden Test hundred two years ago in the fifth Test of the 2013 Ashes series and today registered the 11th ton of his prolific career, but it wasn’t without a slice of luck.

On 92, the right-hander was given out after edging a Steven Finn long-hop through to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, but as the batsman was leaving the field in disgust, the big screen replay showed the fast bowler overstepping the popping crease by a considerably margin.

Smith made the most of his reprieve, bringing up three-figures prior to lunch to move alongside Dean Jones on the list of Australia’s leading century-makers. 

After scores of seven, eight, six and five in last two Tests, Smith’s technique in English conditions had once again come under scrutiny.

His run of low scores came after he posted his maiden Test double century at Lord's in the second Test.

Watch: Smith punishes Moeen Ali down the ground

But the vice-captain knuckled down on day one and reined in his natural flair, with teammate David Warner praising the shift in mindset after play yesterday.

"Today (Thursday), the way he (Smith) addressed the conditions and adapted to it was fantastic,” said Warner. 

“He's one of those kids who's going to have a very successful career. He's shown what he can do. 

“He's the next captain as well. He's in a good position, that's for sure, moving forward."

David Warner speaks after Australia's solid opening day at The Oval

During his innings Smith became the equal-fourth fastest Australian to 3,000 Test and since his first Test century, the 25-year-old has scored 10 hundreds, averaged more than 70, captained his country and won the 2015 Allan Border Medal.