Australia National Cricket Team batting icon Steve Smith has achieved a massive milestone during the second Test against the South Africa National Cricket Team at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
The experienced Australian batter has crossed the 11,000-run mark in Test cricket and joined an elite group of players who have achieved this incredible feat in the traditional format of the game. Earlier, Mitchell Starc reached 450 Test wickets faster than any bowler in history.
Steve Smith becomes third Australian to score 11000 Test runs
Steve Smith reached the incredible 11,000-run milestone while facing Marco Jansen on Day 4 of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The right-hander tapped the short-of-length delivery towards the covers to collect a single and complete the feat.
With this, Smith became the 12th player overall and only the third Australian to score 11,000 Test runs. He is now only behind Australian legends Ricky Ponting, who scored 13,378 runs, and Allan Border, who finished with 11,174 runs, in the list of leading Test run scorers from his country.
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However, Smith’s Test batting average of over 55 is best among Australia’s greatest batters. He has now surpassed Australian legends like Steve Waugh, David Warner, Michael Clarke, and Matthew Hayden in the list of the most Test runs.
Steve Smith battles neck pain during historic knock
However, the historic moment came while Smith was struggling with neck pain. The former Australian captain had already received treatment from the team physiotherapist multiple times during his innings. The discomfort appeared to affect his movement and batting technique. Amid this, Anrich Nortje’s injury rocks South Africa during 2nd Test against Australia.
This made it difficult for the Australian star to turn his head comfortably towards the bowler. Smith needed medical attention again and even dropped a medicinal tablet while trying to pick it up. There were also concerns that he might be experiencing symptoms of vertigo.
Eventually, Smith’s innings came to an end when Wiaan Mulder bowled him for 28 runs off 88 balls. Smith was in pain throughout his stay. Mulder bowled a brilliant delivery that moved in and passed through the gap between Smith’s bat and pad, hitting the top of the stumps and breaking one of the bails. His wicket left Australia reeling at 96/8 against South Africa.
Steve Smith becomes ninth Australian to score 1,000 Test runs against South Africa
Earlier, Smith also completed 1,000 runs against South Africa in Test cricket. He needed just 15 runs at the start of the match to achieve the milestone and reached it during his 15th Test against the Proteas. Smith became the ninth Australian batter to score 1,000 Test runs against South Africa.
He joined the elite list featuring Ricky Ponting, Neil Harvey, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, David Warner, Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, and Michael Hussey. Smith has scored 443 Test runs against South Africa in Australia across six matches at an average of 49.22.
The Aussie has also scored more than 480 runs in eight Tests played in South Africa, averaging above 38. In addition, he has scored 79 runs against the Proteas in one Test played at a neutral venue.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
