Steve Smith Achieves 11,000 Test Runs Milestone in Historic Match

Steve Smith, the Australian Test vice-captain, has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 11,000 runs in Test cricket during a match against South Africa. This achievement places him among the elite run-scorers in the sport's history. With a batting average above 55, Smith's consistency and performance have drawn comparisons to cricket legends. As he continues his career, Smith remains a pivotal figure in Australian cricket, preparing for upcoming challenges, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India. Read on to explore his journey and impressive statistics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 21, 2026, 23:19 IST

Steve Smith Reaches 11,000 Test Runs

In a remarkable achievement, Steve Smith, the vice-captain of the Australian Test team, surpassed the 11,000-run milestone in red-ball cricket during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on October 21. Smith entered the match with a total of 10,972 runs and required just 28 more runs to join the ranks of former Australian captains Allan Border and Ricky Ponting.

During the first innings of the Test, the 37-year-old scored precisely 28 runs off 88 balls, marking this significant milestone.

Often compared to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman for his remarkable consistency and unique batting style, Smith reached this landmark in just 226 innings.

Statistics Highlighting Smith's Test Cricket Dominance

Steve Smith's prowess in Test cricket is comparable to that of any modern great. Transitioning from a leg spinner to a full-time batsman, he has carved out a unique path to success.

With 226 innings, he became the fifth-fastest player to reach the 11,000-run mark, following Kumar Sangakkara, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and Sachin Tendulkar. He also achieved this feat in 127 matches, making him the third-fastest after Lara and Sangakkara.

Smith boasts a batting average of 55, making him the second player in Test history to maintain an average above 55 while reaching this milestone, alongside Kumar Sangakkara.

Smith's Consistency Over the Years

As he crossed the 11,000-run threshold, Smith's impressive average of 55.55 stands out. His consistency during his career has been remarkable, often dominating bowling attacks.

When he reached 5,000 runs in 2017, his average was 60.24. He maintained averages of 63.76 at 6,000 runs, 64.22 at 7,000 runs, and 60.11 at 8,000 runs. His average dipped slightly to 55.87 at 10,000 runs.

Now, with 11,000 runs, Smith has achieved this with 37 centuries and 45 half-centuries, showcasing his enduring excellence.

Extending His Test Career

The Test format has proven to be Smith's playground, where his exceptional technique and relentless drive for runs have allowed him to excel even at 37 years old.

While many players may struggle or retire at this age, Smith's sharp reflexes and deep understanding of his game have enabled him to remain a key player for Australia.

After retiring from ODIs following a semifinal loss to India, he has focused solely on Test cricket, participating in 11 matches since then and scoring 729 runs at an average of 42.88.

Following the series against South Africa, Smith is set to join the Australian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India, where he will play a crucial role.