Steve Smith is currently in Sri Lanka, where he is demonstrating impressive batting skills. As the captain of the Australian team in the absence of Pat Cummins, Smith seems to have become even more aggressive with the added responsibility of captaincy. In the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka, he has equaled former captain Ricky Ponting’s record.
Smith’s innings of over 50 runs is particularly notable because it was achieved in Asia, where Australian and English batsmen are often believed to struggle with the turning pitch. This is his 15th innings in Asia in Test cricket, and he has accomplished this feat in 42 innings. Previously, only Ricky Ponting, an Australian batsman, had managed to score over 50 runs 15 times, achieving this milestone in 48 innings. Allan Border also features on this list, having scored over 50 runs 14 times. As a result, Steve Smith has now surpassed Allan Border and equaled Ricky Ponting.
Smith’s 206th innings in Test cricket have placed him behind only Jack Kallis of South Africa, who holds the record for the most 50-plus scores in Test innings. By the time Jack Kallis played 206 Test innings, he had scored 50-plus 78 times, while Steve Smith has achieved this 77 times. Notably, Smith has also equaled Ricky Ponting’s record, as Ponting also scored over 50 runs after 206 innings. Steve Smith scored 141 runs in the first match of the series and is currently unbeaten after completing his half-century. Having won the first match, the Australian team is now leading the series and aiming to secure a clean sweep against Sri Lanka. The Australian team appears to be in a strong position.