January 29, 2025: Australia’s stand-in captain, Steve Smith, has reached an impressive milestone, becoming the 15th player in history to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket during the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Smith achieved this feat with a classic flick shot towards mid-on, as he set off for a single before raising his bat to acknowledge the applause.
The 35-year-old has been a dominant force in Test cricket, amassing these runs at an average of over 55, with only Kumar Sangakkara having a better average among players who’ve crossed the 10,000-run mark. This achievement places Smith alongside Australian legends like Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting as the fourth Australian to reach this milestone.
This remarkable achievement comes just after Smith missed the chance to bring up the milestone during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, making this moment even more special for the batter. As Australia continues their strong start in Galle, Smith’s feat adds to their momentum.
This series also marks the Test debut for Josh Inglis, with Australia naming him in the playing XI for the first match. Both teams have opted for three spinners and one seaming option in their line-ups, making for an intriguing contest.
It’s a huge milestone for Steve Smith, and with his ongoing form, he will surely continue to add to his legacy in Test cricket.