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Smith joins 10,000 club

By Kane Imeson


Steve Smith has joined the 10,000 test runs club, reaching the milestone in Australia’s opening test against Sri Lanka.


After being stranded on 9,999 runs at the completion of the test series against India and missing the opportunity to reach 10,000 in front of his home fans, all eyes were on Smith as he headed to the crease after the Aussies lost the wickets of Travis Head (57 runs) and Marnus Labuschagne (20 runs).


Smith managed to reach the milestone in his first ball, hitting to mid-off for a quick single to get off the mark.


Steve Smith raises his bat to the crowd after reaching 10,000 test runs. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Steve Smith raises his bat to the crowd after reaching 10,000 test runs. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

He was met with cheers and a standing ovation from both the home fans and the travelling Australian fans, raising his bat to the crowd, before embracing his batting partner Usman Khawaja.


After being dropped off a caught and bowled opportunity his next ball, Smith went on to make a century before rain prematurely ended the day’s play.


He now joins fellow Australian’s Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh in the 10,000 test runs club, a list headed by Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.


In addition to becoming the fourth Australian to reach the milestone, Smith became the fifth-fastest player to hit 10,000 test runs, having done it in 205 innings.


Video: Cricket Australia

When speaking about reaching the milestone prior the test, Smith admitted that he had been trying not to think about it.


"I just want to focus on the present,” Smith said when talking to cricket.com.au's Unplayable Podcast.


“Obviously it's a cool milestone to get to if I get there. But I want to try to keep it out of my mind as much as possible."


Smith made his Australian test debut in 2010 against Pakistan and has played 115 tests to date.

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