Steve Smith joins Ponting, Border in Australia’s 11,000-run Test club

Australian batter Steve Smith became the third player from his country to score 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on October 21. Smith reached the milestone in Australia’s first innings, scoring 28 runs from 88 deliveries, including two boundaries.

Smith is the 12th player overall to surpass 11,000 runs in Test matches. Ricky Ponting leads Australian batsmen with 13,378 runs, followed by Allan Border with 11,174 runs.

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Smith has also joined an exclusive group of batsmen to reach 11,000 Test runs in fewer than 230 innings. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the fewest innings taken to reach the milestone, achieving it in 208 innings, followed by West Indies legend Brian Lara in 213 innings. Ponting reached 11,000 runs in 222 innings, Sachin Tendulkar in 223 innings, while Smith accomplished it in 226 innings. Rahul Dravid and South African Jacques Kallis took 234 innings each.

In the match, South Africa bowled Australia out for 99 runs in their first innings and enforced the follow-on in the ongoing Test, placing Australia under significant pressure. Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack with five wickets, while Wiaan Mulder took two. Smith top-scored among Australia’s recognised batsmen before being dismissed by Mulder.

South Africa’s first innings was anchored by captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 179 runs, and Marco Jansen, who contributed 85. Their partnership helped South Africa recover from an early collapse and gain control of the match.

With the follow-on enforced, South Africa aims to capitalise on their strong position and secure victory to level the three-match series 1-1.