Veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith has achieved a major milestone in Test cricket. On October 9, 2026, during the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, he surpassed former captain Steve Waugh. With this feat, Smith has become the third-highest run-scorer for Australia in Test cricket.
Steve Waugh scored 10,927 runs during his Test career. Steve Smith crossed this mark by scoring 25 runs in the first innings against South Africa. Although fast bowler Marco Jansen dismissed him after lunch, Smith had already etched his name in the record books by then.
Steve Smith crossed this mark by scoring 25 runs in the first innings against South Africa
Australian batsmen struggled to score runs during the first innings against South Africa. Amidst this, Smith teamed up with Marnus Labuschagne to steady the innings.
The duo shared a 60-run partnership. Labuschagne scored 37 runs, while Smith returned to the pavilion after scoring 25. Even though Smith did not play a massive innings, these runs proved sufficient to secure a historic milestone.
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Having surpassed Steve Waugh, Smith has now moved into third place on the list of Australia’s highest run-scorers in Test cricket. Ricky Ponting tops the list with 13,378 runs, while Allan Border holds the second spot with 11,174 runs. Smith will now aim to close the gap on the records held by these two legends.
Smith made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lord’s in July 2010. He has consistently delivered outstanding performances over a career spanning more than 15 years. Surpassing a legend like Steve Waugh stands as a testament to his exceptional career and consistency.
