Steven Smith Falls Short of 10,000 Test Runs at SCG

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Steven Smith, one of the world’s finest batters, missed reaching the prestigious 10,000-run mark in Test cricket for the second time in two days. On Saturday, he edged a ball to slip, falling just five runs short. On Sunday, during the Pink Test’s Jane McGrath Day in Sydney, Smith was dismissed for 9999 runs after a rising delivery from Prasidh Krishna caught him off-guard and sent the ball to the gully.

Steven Smith missed the 10,000-run milestone twice in consecutive days.
He became the second batter, after Mahela Jayawardene, to get out at 9999 runs.
Smith’s next chance to achieve the feat will be in the first Test against Sri Lanka later this month.

Smith on the Brink of Joining the Elite 10,000 Club

The 10,000-run milestone is a coveted achievement in Test cricket, with only 14 players reaching it so far. Smith is poised to become the 15th batter and the fourth Australian, following legends Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.

Ahead of the Sydney Test, Allan Border praised Smith’s extraordinary career. “Averaging 57 or so puts him in the top echelon ever,” Border remarked. He compared Smith to cricketing legends like Greg Chappell, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara, affirming Smith’s place among the game’s greats.

A Journey of Remarkable Milestones

Smith’s rise has been remarkable. He holds the record for being the fastest to 8000 Test runs and the second fastest to 9000 runs. Despite a challenging 2023-24 season, he demonstrated his skill with back-to-back centuries in Brisbane and Melbourne, leaving him just short of the historic mark.

However, the final steps to 10,000 runs have taken longer than expected, partly due to a lean patch and his temporary role as an opener after David Warner’s retirement.

Looking Ahead: Sri Lanka Tour and Leadership

Steven Smith’s next opportunity to reach the milestone will come in Sri Lanka. The first Test of the series in Galle is highly anticipated, with Smith likely to lead the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, who may miss a match due to the birth of his second child.

Smith’s leadership and batting will be pivotal as Australia faces challenging conditions in the subcontinent. Fans worldwide eagerly await the moment when Smith joins the elite group of 10,000-run achievers.

Tribute to Jane McGrath Day

Sunday’s match coincided with Jane McGrath Day, an event supporting the McGrath Foundation, which provides breast cancer care and awareness. A crowd of nearly 40,000 donned pink to show their support, making the day memorable despite Smith falling short of his milestone.

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Smith Among Cricket’s Greats

Steven Smith is often regarded as the best Australian batter since Don Bradman. His remarkable average of 57.32 and consistent performances over the years have earned him a place among cricket’s legends.

As cricket enthusiasts reflect on his achievements, Smith’s journey reminds us of the dedication and resilience required to succeed at the highest level. The upcoming series in Sri Lanka offers him the perfect stage to solidify his legacy further.