Photo via The Times of India

Smith leapfrogs Steve Waugh to become Australia's third-highest Test run-scorer

Steve Smith made history during the opening day of Australia’s first Test against South Africa in Durban, surpassing Steve Waugh’s career total of 10,927 runs to become the third-highest run-scorer in Australian Test history. The right-handed batter reached the milestone with a six off Keshav Maharaj in the 19th over, finishing his brief 25-run innings with two sixes after a slow start.

Smith’s tally now stands at 10,945 runs across 126 Tests, leaving him just 55 runs shy of 11,000—a target he could achieve by scoring at least 230 runs in the ongoing three-match series, which would also push him past Allan Border into second place on the all-time list. Meanwhile, Australia’s decision to promote Matt Renshaw to the middle order proved fruitful, as the team finished Day 1 on 187 for 6, while opener Nic Maddinson struggled.

The series marks Australia’s return to South Africa since the 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ controversy, with the hosts currently holding the title of world Test champions after their 2025 final victory over Australia.

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