Steven Smith Joins Elite 10,000 Test Runs Club in Galle
Australia's star batter, Steven Smith, has added another feather to his already illustrious cap by joining the exclusive club of cricketers who have scored over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. This incredible achievement came on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, as Smith became the fourth Australian player to reach this monumental milestone.
The 35-year-old came to Sri Lanka with 9,999 Test runs under his belt and managed to reach the magical 10,000-run mark after just a single delivery at the crease. He was playing as Australia's stand-in captain, in the absence of Pat Cummins, and opted to bat after winning the toss. His decision paid off as he went on to score an unbeaten 104 runs at the close of play, putting Australia in a commanding position with a score of 330/2.
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This achievement places Smith alongside cricketing legends such as Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting, who are the other Australians to have scored 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Smith is only the 15th player in history to reach this significant landmark. His 104* not only marked his 10,000th run but also helped cement his place as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Smith’s milestone is particularly significant considering the context of his career. He missed a year of cricket after being banned in 2018 due to his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Despite this setback, Smith has risen to new heights, consistently proving himself as one of the best in the world. His batting average of 56.44 at the time of reaching 10,000 runs ranks him third among all players who have achieved this feat, behind only Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar.
For Smith, reaching 10,000 Test runs is just another testament to his relentless drive and dedication to the game. In the 20 Tests following his suspension, Smith managed to elevate his batting average to an incredible 74.36, scoring 22 centuries in 88 innings. This remarkable improvement has been key to his continued dominance in world cricket.
Another impressive aspect of Smith's career is his adaptability across different conditions. Whether batting in home or away conditions, he has consistently delivered. His career statistics reflect an impressive average both in Australia and abroad. This includes scoring over 5000 runs in both home and away conditions, with an exceptional 53.55 average on foreign soil. His performances against quality bowlers, including James Anderson and R Ashwin, further highlight his incredible skill and consistency across varied cricketing landscapes.
As he joins this elite club, Steven Smith has not just proven himself as a stalwart of Australian cricket but as one of the greatest Test batsmen to ever play the game. His remarkable journey from being a part-time leg spinner to becoming one of the most reliable and destructive batters of the modern era has made him a true icon of the sport. For all cricket lovers, watching Smith continue to break records and build on his legacy will be an exhilarating experience in the years to come.
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