India vs Australia 2024-25: Steve Smith just 296 runs away from BREAKING Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Joe Root’s record

New Delhi: Australia’s Steve Smith‘s recent form is a growing concern ahead of the third Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. Once regarded as the greatest modern Test batter, ahead of players like Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson, Smith’s dip in form over the past few years has impacted his reputation. The third Test holds significant importance in the series, and Australia will be hoping for Smith to regain his best form. Also the third test is crucial for both the teams eyeing the World Test Championship final in England 2025.

Steve Smith inching close to 10,000 mark in Test cricket

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith is closing in on several significant milestones ahead of the third Test. He is just 296 runs away from becoming the second-fastest player overall and the fastest Australian to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Smith has accumulated 9,704 runs in 111 Tests. Brian Lara currently holds the record for the fastest to 10,000 runs, achieving the feat in 111 Tests, with Kumar Sangakkara, Younis Khan, and Ricky Ponting following at 115, 116, and 118 Tests, respectively.

Steve Smith has the chance to become the second-fastest player to reach 10,000 runs if he scores 296 more runs by the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Achieving this milestone in the ongoing series would also make him the fifth-fastest to 10,000 runs in terms of innings. Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara took 195 innings, while Ricky Ponting needed 196 innings to reach the mark. Smith has played 198 innings so far to accumulate 9,704 runs.

Brian Lara currently holding the  record

Brian Lara holds the record for the fastest to 10,000 runs in Tests by matches, reaching the milestone in just 111 Tests. Following him are Kumar Sangakkara (115 matches), Younis Khan (116 matches), and Ricky Ponting and Joe Root, both achieving the feat in 118 matches.

The fastest players to 10,000 runs in Tests by innings are Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara, each reaching the milestone in 195 innings. Ricky Ponting follows with 196 innings, while Rahul Dravid took 206 innings.

Steve Smith has taken five catches in the first two Tests of the ongoing series, bringing his career tally to 188. He is just nine catches away from surpassing Ricky Ponting’s Australian record of 196. The overall leader in Test cricket catches is Rahul Dravid, with 210 catches in 164 Test matches.