SA vs AUS, 2nd Test: Steve Smith Creates History, Joins Ricky Ponting And Allan Border In Australia's Elite Test List

Australian batter Steve Smith reached a major milestone on Wednesday as he became the third player from his country to score 11,000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved the feat during the ongoing second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

Smith joins former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Allan Border on the list. He is also the 12th batter in the history of Test cricket to cross the 11,000-run mark.

Steve Smith Reaches 11,000 Test Runs

Smith reached the milestone during Australia’s first innings, scoring 28 runs off 88 balls, including two boundaries. However, his innings came to an end when Wiaan Mulder dismissed him.

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Ponting remains Australia’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,378 runs, while Border occupies second place with 11,174 runs.

Smith has also entered an exclusive list of batters who scored 11,000 Test runs in fewer than 230 innings. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the fastest to reach the milestone, having done so in 208 innings. West Indies legend Brian Lara follows him with 213 innings.

Ponting reached the landmark in 222 innings, while India’s Sachin Tendulkar took 223 innings. Smith achieved it in 226 innings. Rahul Dravid and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis needed 234 innings each to reach the mark.

South Africa Bowl Australia Out For 99

While Smith celebrated an individual milestone, Australia endured a difficult outing with the bat in the second Test. The visitors were dismissed for just 99 runs in their first innings, allowing South Africa to enforce the follow-on and put them under considerable pressure.

Left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen was the standout performer with the ball, taking five wickets. Mulder also played an important role by picking up two wickets as Australia’s batting order struggled against the hosts.

Smith was the highest scorer among Australia’s recognised batters, but his 28-run knock could not prevent the team from suffering a major collapse.

Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen Put South Africa In Control

South Africa’s strong position came after captain Temba Bavuma produced an outstanding innings of 179 runs. Jansen also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 85 runs.

The pair helped South Africa recover from an early setback and build a commanding first-innings total. Their efforts gave the hosts a significant advantage before their bowlers dismantled Australia’s batting line-up.

With Australia following on, South Africa will look to maintain the pressure and secure a victory in the remaining play. The hosts will also be aiming to level the three-match series 1-1.