Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
He had to wait an extra few weeks, but Steve Smith became the fourth Australian – and 15th overall – to notch up 10,000 Test runs, achieving the feat off his first delivery of the Sri Lanka series in Galle. It is confirmation of his greatness, proving that it is not essential to follow the textbook to have a successful career.
And it is a career no one could have expected, rising from a legspin prospect to the best batter of his generation.
Smith found a technique that worked for him. After notching up his first 1,000 Test runs at 35.71, Smith then went on a rampage, reaching 2,000 at an average of 50.000 and then maintained an average of 60+ between 5,000 and 8,000 runs.
Smith went on to reach his 35th Test century in the same innings, making Sri Lanka pay for dropping him second ball. In the process, he reminded one and all of why he has been so successful around the world especially in Asia, with his elite footwork on display on a spinning Galle pitch.
Australia’s number four was superb coming down the track, and was often quick to pounce off the backfoot when the spinners adjusted to a shorter length. When Sri Lanka then resorted to legside tactics to slow the scoring, Smith played the long game, displaying the kind of relentless approach and hunger for runs that has served him so well over the years.
He will start day two on 104* off 188 deliveries.
Steve Smith reaches 10,000 Test runs: The reactions
Smith’s average of 56.44 (when 104* in the first innings against Sri Lanka) is the second-highest among players with 10,000 runs. He is behind only Kumar Sangakkara’s 57.41.
“Steve Smith expressing himself while at work (batting) is box office” tweeted R Ashwin. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has heaped praise for Joe Root in the past, said “I would argue that Steve Smith is the best modern day Test match player.”
Here are some reactions to Steve Smith reaching 10,000 Test runs.
Smith’s century in Galle is his third in the past four Tests. He also struck tons against India in Brisbane and Melbourne. In the process, he has confirmed he has plenty left in the legs ahead of a big year for Australia which includes the World Test Championship Final and Ashes.
