Steve Smith set to surpass 8,000 Test runs: Key numbers
Australian senior batter Steve Smith will be aiming to get past the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket. He can achieve this feat in the second Test versus Pakistan, starting March 12. The first Test saw Smith rack up 78 runs from 196 balls in Rawalpindi. The action now shifts to Karachi as both teams aim for getting a valuable lead. We decode Smith's numbers.
A look at Smith's Test career stats
In 83 Tests, Smith has notched 7,862 runs at an average of 60.01. He has registered 27 tons and 34 fifties with the best score of 239. In 43 Tests, he has 3,901 runs on home soil at 62.91. In 36 away Tests, he has 3,687 runs at 60.44. At neutral venues, he has 274 runs at 34.25 from four matches.
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 is in line to become only the seventh Aussie international to surpass the 8,000-run mark. The 78-run effort will help Smith in terms of confidence as he eyes a significant landmark next.
Smith nearing the 8,000-run mark
Smith is 138 shy of getting to 8,000 career Test runs. 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). Smith can surpass Mark Waugh as well in terms of Test runs and become Australia's sixth-highest scorer.
Smith can become the fastest to 8,000 runs
Smith has featured 148 innings in Tests and if he gets an opportunity to bat twice in the second Test, he could get to the milestone. Smith can become the fastest to 8,000 Test runs. Currently, the record is held by Kumar Sangakkara, who took 152 innings to reach the mark. Sanga had earlier broken Sachin Tendulkar's record (154 innings).
Smith can get to 1,000 runs versus Pakistan
Smith has 833 runs versus Pakistan at an average of 55.53. He needs 167 more to get past the 1,000-run mark in Tests versus Pakistan. If Smith does get to the mark, he will become only the sixth Aussie to achieve the same.
