Steve Smith becomes Australia's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket
Star batsman Steve Smith reached another special milestone in the second innings of the ongoing Brisbane Test. With a half-century in the second session on Day 4, Smith became Australia's eighth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He (7,540) surpassed the tally of former batsman Mark Taylor, who aggregated 7,525 Test runs in his career. Here is more on the same.
Smith slams his 31st Test fifty
During the second session in the ongoing Brisbane Test, Smith raced to his 31st Test fifty. He racked up 55 off 74 balls, a knock studded with 7 fours. The middle-order batsman was rather aggressive in his approach in order to better Australia's lead. Although Smith missed what could have been a historic ton, his resounding innings helped Australia get on top.
Best Test average among active cricketers
Smith is arguable the greatest Test batsman in modern-day cricket. His Bradmanesque numbers define his stature in red-ball cricket. As of now, he owns the best average (61.80) in Test cricket among the active cricketers (20+ Tests). In fact, he has the second-highest Test average only after the great Donald Bradman (99.94) on the all-time list.
A look at Smith's numbers in home Tests
Smith has always been a force to reckon with, in home conditions. So far, he has racked up 3,657 runs from 38 Tests, including 14 tons at home. In the Brisbane Test, he slammed his 14th Test fifty at home. Yet again, his average of 67.72 at home is the second-best after Bradman (98.22), among players with a minimum of 3,000 Test runs.
Australia's fourth-highest run-scorer against India
Smith is Australia's fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests against India (1,742 runs from 14 Tests at an average of 72.58). He also has the joint-most tons (8) against Men In Blue, among Australian batsmen along with former captain Ricky Ponting.
