Smith is the 12th batter in the world and only the third Australian to cross the 11,000-run mark in Test cricket. Before him, only Ponting, who scored 13,378 Test runs, and Border, who accumulated 11,174 runs, had achieved the feat for Australia. The milestone further adds to Smith's record as one of the most prolific run-scorers in Test cricket.
Steve Smith Completes 11,000 Test Runs in 226 Innings
Smith reached the 11,000-run milestone in his 226th Test innings, placing him among the fastest batters to achieve the landmark. Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for reaching 11,000 Test runs in the fewest innings, having accomplished the feat in 208 innings.
Brian Lara is second on the list with 213 innings, followed by Ricky Ponting with 222 innings and Sachin Tendulkar with 223 innings. Smith occupies fifth place with 226 innings, while Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis jointly feature next, having taken 234 innings to reach the milestone.
Steve Smith Scores 28 as Australia Bowled Out for 99
Smith achieved the landmark during the second Test against South Africa at Gqeberha. However, his innings ended at 28 runs, and he could not convert the milestone into a substantial individual score.
Australia struggled throughout the innings, with none of their top-order batters managing a big score. The team was bowled out for just 99 runs in 42.3 overs, with Smith emerging as Australia's highest scorer in the innings.
Despite Australia's difficult batting performance, Smith's achievement places him among an elite group of players in Test cricket history. His entry into the 11,000-run club also reinforces Australia's presence among the nations represented by multiple members of this exclusive group.
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