The 34-year-old Australian batter completed 15,000 international runs on 29 June. As per data, his current average of 49.67 is bettered only by India’s stalwart batter Virat Kohli (53.44).

Apart from this, Smith also completed second fast 9,000 runs in 174 innings in the Test format. Before this, former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara is on the top of the list by completing 9000 runs in Tests with 172 innings.

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Other players who are on the list of completing the fastest 9000 runs are current Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who holds the third position by achieving the milestone in 176 innings. Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting are tied for the fourth position by achieving the milestone in 177 innings.

Steve Smith is also the fastest in terms of the number of matches taken (99), surpassing Lara, who had reached the mark in his 101st Test.

He completed another unique reward by achieving the most consecutive 50-plus scores at Lord’s in Tests. He has struck four 50-plus consecutive scores.

Meanwhile, on the second day of the second Ashes series, Australia scored 416 runs after losing all wickets, and England scored 13 runs without losing any wickets.

With agency inputs.

Updated: 29 Jun 2023, 05:44 PM IST