Steve Smith joins Ricky Ponting, Allan Border in elite Australian club, fifth fastest to 11k Test runs

ByTech Word News

Steve Smith (Image credit: ICC) Australian batting superstar Steve Smith reached another career milestone on Wednesday, becoming the third Australian and 12th player overall to score 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against South Africa at Gqeberha.The 37-year-old reached the landmark during Australia’s first innings at St George’s Park when he scored 28 off 88 balls, including two fours, before being bowled by Wiaan Mulder.Smith reached 11,000 Test runs in 226 innings, making him the fifth-fastest batsman to reach the milestone. The record is held by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who scored just 208 innings, followed by West Indies’ great Brian Lara (213).

Smith joins Ponting, Border in Australia’s elite

Smith joined former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in the exclusive club of 11,000 runs in the country. Ponting tops Australia’s list with 13,378 Test runs, while Border ended his career with 11,174.Ponting needed 222 innings between batsmen to reach the milestone, while India’s Sachin Tendulkar took 223. Smith’s 226 innings put him ahead of Rahul Dravid and South African Jacques Kallis, who both needed 234 innings.The milestone adds to Smith’s remarkable record in the longest format, where he has established himself as one of the leading batsmen of his generation.

Fewest shifts in 11,000 test drives

  • 208 – Kumar Sangakkara
  • 213 – Brian Lara
  • 222 – Ricky Ponting
  • 223 – Sachin Tendulkar
  • 226 – Steve Smith
  • 234 – Rahul Dravid / Jacques Kallis

Australia pushed on for 99 as South Africa forced a follow on

Smith’s personal achievement came on a difficult day for Australia, who were dismissed for just 99 in their first innings after South Africa posted a formidable total.Marco Jansen led the hosts’ attack with five goals, while Mulder claimed two goals, including Smith’s goal.South Africa’s innings was anchored by skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored 179, with Jansen contributing 85 to help the hosts recover from an early collapse.South Africa secured a substantial lead in the first innings to force the follow-on and put Australia under immense pressure in the ongoing second Test of the series.