Australia breaks 134 -year old ashes record at the SCG

Cricket history was rewritten at the Sydney Cricket Ground on day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test on Wednesday,as Australia achieved a rare feat that had stood untouched for 134 years.

​After their unexpected defeat in the Boxing Day Test, Australia responded in style with a dominant batting performance. Steve Smith anchored the innings with an unbeaten 129, marking his 37th test century, while Travis head earlier played a fearless knock of 163 runs.

In the long history of the Ashes, seven half-century partnerships in a single innings had never been recorded until now.

The previous best in the contest dated back to 1892, when England managed six such stands at Adelaide — a record that stood untouched for 134 years.

Only four other Ashes innings have featured six 50-plus partnerships, underlining the rarity of Australia’s effort at the SCG.

​Australia finished the day on 529 for 7,taking a strong first inning lead of 134 runs . England were earlier dismissed for 384, despite a brilliant 160 from Joe Root.

​What made Australia’s innings truly special was the contribution from the entire batting order. The hosts built seven partnerships of 50 runs or more in one innings - a record never before achieved in the long history of the Ashes.