During the ongoing first Test match against Sri Lanka, Steve Smith and Australia maintained their supremacy in the game’s longest format. Smith became the fifteenth batsman in Test cricket history to surpass the 10,000-run mark on the first day in Galle. He became the fifth-fastest player to accomplish the prestigious feat in his 205th Test innings.
When the former Australian captain scored his 35th Test century, former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri was full of praise for him.
Steve Smith longevity and adaptability are qualities that have helped shape him into the player he is today, the former Indian captain said.
As a broadcaster and coach, I’ve seen hundreds of them, and he’s a unique player. He loves the game so much. I’m amazed at his readiness to adjust to various situations. It was exceptional that he received a hundred on a rank turner in India. He also finds a way to get into positions to score runs even when he isn’t playing at his best.
Teams are analyzing you and video analysts are examining every aspect of your technique while you’re around for that long. It’s remarkable that at age 35, he can still stay ahead of the curve and surpass 10,000 runs, with an average of over 55. In an interview with Fox Cricket, Shastri said, “I think he’s a great player.”
Speaking of the game, Smith (104*) and Usman Khawaja (147*) both scored hundreds to help Australia finish with 330/2 on the board. The two batsmen finished the day with a third-wicket stand of 195 off 307 deliveries, each hitting a maximum and 10 fours in their separate efforts.
The visitors had won the toss earlier in the day and had chosen to bat first. Travis Head and Khawaja, the opening tandem, made sure their team got off to a quick start. Head was removed for a fast-paced 57 off 40 balls. Remarkably, he finished the day with the same number of fours and sixes as Smith and Khawaja, respectively.
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