Steve Smith Surpasses Waugh as Australia's Third-Highest Test Run-Scorer

In a remarkable achievement, Australian cricketer Steve Smith has surpassed former captain Steve Waugh to become the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket for Australia. This milestone was reached during the opening Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. Smith's career total now stands at 10,945 runs, positioning him just behind Ricky Ponting and Allan Border. On Day 1 of the Test, South Africa's bowlers restricted Australia to 187/6, with Smith contributing 25 runs. With two Tests remaining in the series, Smith has the opportunity to further enhance his record.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 9, 2026, 22:48 IST

Smith Achieves Milestone

During the first day of the opening Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, Australian cricketer Steve Smith eclipsed former captain Steve Waugh to become the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket for Australia. Smith entered the match needing just eight runs to surpass Waugh's total of 10,927 runs. He achieved this milestone in the 19th over by hitting a six off South African spinner Keshav Maharaj. Ultimately, Smith was dismissed for 25 runs off 53 balls.

Smith's Impressive Statistics

With this accomplishment, Smith's career tally now stands at 10,945 Test runs, placing him behind only Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in Australia's all-time rankings. Smith has amassed his runs in 224 innings over 126 Tests, while Waugh concluded his career with 10,927 runs from 260 innings in 168 Tests. Ricky Ponting leads the list with 13,378 runs from 168 Tests, followed by Allan Border with 11,174 runs from 156 matches.

Notably, Smith achieved this feat in 42 fewer Tests than Waugh, further solidifying his legacy in the longest format of the game. He is now just 229 runs away from surpassing Border for the second spot on Australia's Test run-scoring list. With two Tests remaining in the series, Smith has a chance to narrow this gap.

Day 1: South Africa Takes Control

On the first day of the Test series between South Africa and Australia, the team led by Temba Bavuma managed to restrict Pat Cummins' Australia to 187 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 65.2 overs before bad light halted play. Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen made early breakthroughs, while Anrich Nortje dismissed both Alex Carey and Beau Webster in a single over, leaving Australia in a precarious position at 124/6. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 37 runs, and Steve Smith added 25. However, Matt Renshaw (46 not out) and Pat Cummins (33 not out) formed an unbeaten 63-run partnership for the seventh wicket, stabilizing Australia's innings.