Steve Smith breaks another Test record of Ricky Ponting: Details
What's the story
Star batter Steve Smith has set a new record by becoming Australia's highest run-scorer in Tests in Asia Asia.
The stand-in Aussie skipper achieved the feat on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The 35-year-old needed just 27 runs to go past Ricky Ponting's tally of 1,889 runs on Asian soil.
He achieved the feat shortly after lunch by scoring a single off Sri Lankan spinner Nishan Peiris.
Record-breaking performance
Smith's journey to the top
Smith's record-breaking performance came a day after he broke Ponting's record for most Test catches by an Australian outfielder (197).
He achieved the new milestone in his 42nd innings, with an impressive average of 51-plus in Asia.
Meanwhile, Ponting scored his runs over 48 innings at an average of 41.97.
Despite initial challenges in the second Test, Smith's skill and experience proved invaluable on a challenging Galle pitch where Sri Lanka posted 257 runs in their first inning.
Consistent performance
Smith's impressive record in Asia
Smith's ability to tackle Asian conditions was on full display in the first Test, where he scored his fastest Test half-century off just 57 balls, finishing with a brilliant 141.
This was his third century in four matches in Sri Lanka and sixth overall on the continent.
With an average of over 50 across Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, Smith has become one of Australia's most dependable batters in difficult overseas conditions.
Stats
Here are his Test numbers
Meanwhile, Smith has breached the 50-run mark once again as he returned unbeaten on 78 at tea on Day 2.
He has now raced past 10,200 runs in Tests at 56-plus. The series opener saw Smith clock his 35th Test ton in addition to surpassing 10,000 runs.
In seven matches versus Sri Lanka, he has over 600 runs at 60-plus (100s: 3, 50s: 2). As per ESPNcricinfo, Smith owns over 4,700 runs in away Tests.