Smith salutes Hughes with Test ton

On reaching a century that continued his golden run, Steve Smith looked to be wandering aimlessly as he ambled from the pitch area towards the Adelaide Oval boundary.

Only when he got close to the large number 408 painted on the outfield did the reason for his stroll become clear.

Smith waved his willow over Phillip Hughes’ Test number in honour of his fallen mate.

Then, helmet off, he raised his bat high to the heavens in another touching salute to Hughes, who died on November 27, two days after being felled by a ball while batting for South Australia.

The Adelaide Oval crowd roared in approval.

Smith then acknowledged the spectators before striding back to the pitch, where his captain Michael Clarke was waiting to embrace him.

The 25-year-old Smith took 23 Test innings to reach his maiden century.

Now, he has five Test tons – four of them in his past 15 digs.

In those most recent 15 knocks, Smith has also banked three half-centuries to cement his Test spot.

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