Steve Smith surpasses 8,000 career Test runs: Decoding the stats
Australian senior batter Steve Smith has got past the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket. He has achieved this feat on Day 4 of the third Test versus Pakistan. Smith scored 17 in the second innings for the Aussies and went past the mark. Earlier, he had scored 59 runs in the first innings. Here we decode Smith's stats.
Why does this story matter?
Smith is one of Australia's finest ever Test players in history of the game. The right-handed batter is regarded as a top asset in the longest format, scoring runs everywhere. He has now become only the seventh Aussie international to surpass the 8,000-run mark. He has also become the fastest to reach the milestone. This is another feather added in Smith's illustrious cap.
Seventh Aussie cricketer to smash 8,000 Test runs
Smith now has 8,010 career Test runs at an average of 59.77. The 32-year-old Smith is only behind the likes of Ricky Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174), Steve Waugh (10,927), Michael Clarke (8,643), Matthew Hayden (8,625), and Mark Waugh (8,029) in terms of Test runs for Australia. Smith can surpass Mark Waugh next and become Australia's sixth-highest scorer in Test cricket.
Decoding the key stats of Smith
In the ongoing Test series, Smith amassed scores of 78, 72, 59, and 17. Overall against Pakistan, Smith has managed to score 981 runs at 54.50. He has two tons and eight fifties versus Pakistan. Overall in Tests, Smith has managed 8,010 runs, hammering 27 tons and 36 fifties. In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, Smith has 470 runs at 39.16.
Fastest to 8,000 Test runs
Smith has featured in 151 innings, having played 85 Tests. Smith has now become the fastest to 8,000 Test runs. He broke the record held by Kumar Sangakkara, who took 152 innings to reach the mark. Sanga had earlier broken Sachin Tendulkar's record (154 innings).
How has the 3rd Test panned out?
Australia posted 391/10 in the first innings, riding on Usman Khawaja's 91. The likes of Smith, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey scored fifties as well. Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 267 after being 248/3 at one stage. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were terrific. Australia managed 227/3d as Pakistan started well in a stiff chase.
