Galle [Sri Lanka]: In a moment of cricketing history, Steve Smith achieved yet another remarkable feat by moving past cricketing legends Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene in the tally of most Test centuries.
Historic Milestone: 10,000 Test Runs
The milestone came during the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, where Smith reached 10,000 Test runs. His landmark moment was a single to move past the coveted figure, marking another chapter in his illustrious career.
Smith, who had been stuck at 9,999 runs in the previous match in Sydney, didn’t let the pressure get to him. Upon crossing the 10,000-run mark, Smith soaked in the applause from the Australian fans who had traveled to Galle to support him. He raised his bat to all corners of the ground in celebration.
🏏 “It’s surreal to achieve this milestone. I’m just grateful for the journey and the support from the fans,” said Smith post his landmark moment.
Another Century to His Name
Following the 10,000-run milestone, Smith quickly went on to score his 35th Test century, ensuring his place among the greats of the game. With this century, he overtook Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Lara, and Jayawardene, who all finished their careers with 34 centuries.
Smith’s Remarkable Stats:
- 10,103 Test runs from 115 Tests and 188 innings, with an average of 56.44.
- 35 centuries and 41 fifties, with a career-best score of 239.
- Smith is the fourth Australian to score 10,000 Test runs, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh.
A Crucial 104 on Day One*
In the ongoing Test, Smith ended the first day unbeaten on 104* off 188 balls, with 10 fours and 1 six. He was involved in a brilliant 195-run partnership with Usman Khawaja (147*), guiding Australia to 330/2 at the close of play.
Position Among the Greats
With his 35th century, Smith now stands as the 7th-highest Test century scorer of all time and the second-highest Australian behind Ricky Ponting, who holds the record with 41 Test centuries.
The Road Ahead
At 35 centuries, Smith has firmly established himself as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, and with his remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure, he will be eager to continue adding to his tally in the coming years.