Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has etched his name in cricketing history by surpassing 10,000 Test runs during Australia’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The 35-year-old, captaining the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, reached the landmark with a single off his first delivery after stepping onto the crease. Smith started the match at 9,999 runs and came to bat following the dismissals of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
With a well-placed shot to mid-on, Smith became the fourth Australian to cross the 10,000-run mark, joining legends Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting. Speaking about his achievement, Smith said:
“Fortunately hit that one in the gap, so nice to get that one away,” he told Australia’s 7Cricket after reaching the milestone. At tea on Day 1, he remained unbeaten on 64.
Steve Smith’s Place Among Cricketing Greats
India’s Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs, followed by Ponting (13,378) and Jacques Kallis (13,289).
Smith is now eyeing Pakistan’s Younis Khan, who sits 14th on the all-time Test run-scorers list with 10,099 runs.
This achievement further solidifies Smith’s legacy among Australia’s greatest cricketers, as he continues to build on his remarkable Test career.