Steve Smith has obliterated any skerrick of doubt about his return to Test cricket, notching a second century in the first Ashes Test in England.

Australia declared at 7 for 487 on day four, with a mammoth 397-run lead.

Smith was the star of the show, scoring 142 off 207 balls, becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test.

The Best Test Match Batsman I have seen … That’s during my time playing & watching the game is @stevesmith49 … This guy is a genius … !! #OnOn #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 4, 2019

The former captain was ably supported by Matthew Wade who made his first century in over six years.

England was sent in to bat with 40 minutes remaining, making it to stumps at 0 for 13.

The Aussies are now in the box seat to take a 1-nil lead in the Ashes series, with spinner Nathan Lyon expected to play a crucial role on the fifth and final day.

Play resumes at 8pm (AEST) tonight.

Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images