Steve Smith etched his name in cricket history by becoming the fourth Australian to surpass 10,000 Test runs. The 35-year-old reached this milestone during a match in Galle, where he remained unbeaten on 104, guiding his team to a commanding 330-2 by the close of play. This achievement places Smith alongside Australian cricket legends Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.
Smith's landmark moment came as he stepped onto the field following the dismissals of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. It was his first delivery that marked his entry into this exclusive club. He nudged the ball to mid-on for a single, becoming the 15th batter globally to reach this towering figure.
Despite missing a year from cricket due to a ban for his involvement in the sandpaper ball-tampering scandal during a 2018 Test match against South Africa, Smith's return to form has been remarkable. His captaincy in the absence of Pat Cummins saw him choose to bat first after winning the toss. This decision proved pivotal as he led his team from the front.
In a post-match interview with Australia's 7Cricket, Smith expressed his relief and satisfaction.
"Fortunately hit that one in the gap so nice to get that one away," – Steve Smith
His achievement is further highlighted by the illustrious company he joins. Ricky Ponting stands second on the all-time list with 13,378 runs, while England's Joe Root and Alastair Cook have amassed 12,972 and 12,472 runs respectively. Sachin Tendulkar of India remains at the pinnacle with an unmatched 15,921 Test runs.
Smith's journey to this milestone was not only about individual brilliance but also about resilience and perseverance. His ability to bounce back after a challenging phase in his career speaks volumes of his commitment and dedication to the sport.
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