In a heartfelt reflection following Australia’s first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, Steve Smith expressed his disbelief and gratitude at reaching the monumental milestone of 10,000 Test runs. The match, held at the Galle International Stadium, saw Smith etch his name among cricket’s elite with a performance that not only contributed to Australia’s success but also marked a personal triumph for the stand-in captain.
Steve Smith’s rollercoaster journey to the top
Smith’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From making his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinner with batting potential to becoming Australia’s premier Test batter, his rise has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. The biggest challenge came in 2018 when he faced a one-year ban following the ball-tampering scandal, a moment that threatened to derail his career. However, his comeback in the 2019 Ashes series, where he amassed 774 runs, reestablished him as one of the greatest modern-day Test batters.
Reaching 10,000 Test runs in just his 115th match places Smith in an exclusive club of cricketing greats, alongside Australian legends such as Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh. His ability to refine his unorthodox batting technique and adapt to different conditions has been a defining factor in his success.
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Smith reflects on reaching 10k Test run mark
Smith emphasized that his initial dream was simply to play one Test match for Australia, highlighting how even a single opportunity at the highest level was a significant milestone for him. However, surpassing 100 Test matches and reaching 10,000 runs is beyond what he ever imagined, making his journey even more special.
“Never thought I’d score this many runs. Just playing one Test for Australia was a dream. To play 100 and score 10,000 runs is a dream come true,” Smith shared in a post-match chat.