Steve Smith Becomes Latest Member of the Elite 10,000-Run Club in Test Cricket

Australian batter Steve Smith reached a significant milestone on January 29 during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Smith became the 15th player in history and the fourth Australian to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, solidifying his place among the game's all-time greats. His path to this achievement has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and a distinct batting style that has often broken traditional norms.

The Road to 10,000 Runs

Smith's journey to 10,000 Test runs featured some dramatic moments. In his previous Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), he was dismissed just one run shy of the milestone at 9,999. However, in Galle, he finally surpassed the mark, becoming the third-fastest player to reach this milestone in terms of innings.

Smith reached the 10,000-run mark in his 205th innings, trailing only legends like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara, who accomplished the feat in 195 innings. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting achieved it in 196 innings.

List of Players with 10,000 or More Runs in Test Cricket

• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 15,921 runs
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 13,378 runs
• Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 13,289 runs
• Rahul Dravid (India) – 13,288 runs
• Alastair Cook (England) – 12,472 runs
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 12,400 runs
• Brian Lara (West Indies) – 11,953 runs
• Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 11,867 runs
• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 11,814 runs
• Allan Border (Australia) – 11,174 runs
• Steve Waugh (Australia) – 10,927 runs
• Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 10,122 runs
• Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 10,099 runs
• Joe Root (England) – 12,972 runs (active player)
• Steve Smith (Australia) – 10,000+ runs (active player)

Key Notes:

• Steve Smith is the 15th player to join the exclusive 10,000-run club.
• Among active players, only Joe Root has scored more Test runs than Smith.
• Kumar Sangakkara has the highest average (57.40) among players with 10,000+ Test runs.
• Smith is the sixth player to reach this milestone while serving as captain of his team.