The Australian batter missed the monumental milestone by just one run as Prasidh Krishna’s brilliance denied him glory in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test.
Sydney [Australia], January 5: Steven Smith’s quest for 10,000 Test runs ended in heartbreak on Day 3 of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Just one run away from the coveted milestone, Smith was dismissed for 9,999 career runs by India’s rising pacer Prasidh Krishna in a dramatic moment that left the SCG crowd stunned.
Reflecting on Smith’s dismissal, Australia captain Pat Cummins said, “Yeah, the nervous 9999. I think he was more focused on winning the game for us than the milestone. It would have been special for him to get there at the SCG, but the moment just didn’t align.”
Smith’s dismissal came at a crucial juncture in the match as India’s Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-defining spell. Known for his ability to exploit bouncy tracks, Prasidh delivered a sharp rising delivery that caught Smith off guard.
As Smith attempted to fend off the ball, it sliced off his bat towards Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip. Jaiswal dived to his left and completed a sensational catch, sparking wild celebrations among Indian players.
The SCG crowd fell silent as Smith walked back with a score of 4 (9). The disappointment was evident on Smith’s face, knowing he was just one run short of becoming only the second Australian batter after Ricky Ponting to reach the 10,000 Test run milestone.
This dismissal also marked the second time Prasidh Krishna dismissed Smith in the match, showcasing the Indian pacer’s growing reputation as a game-changer in crucial moments.
Despite the missed milestone, Steven Smith’s legacy remains intact, and the cricketing world will eagerly await his next outing to see him cross the iconic mark.
Key Moments:
- Prasidh Krishna’s Precision: Delivered a rising delivery that forced Smith into an error.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Stunning Catch: A diving effort at third slip to seal the dismissal.
- Smith’s Walk Back: A rare moment of vulnerability for one of cricket’s modern greats.
The moment will be remembered as one of the most dramatic near-misses in Test cricket history.
