Steve Smith Surpasses Adam Gilchrist to Achieve This Feat
In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa in Lucknow, Australian batter Steve Smith achieved a remarkable milestone by overtaking the legendary wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist to become Australia’s 7th-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
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During the contest against South Africa, Smith displayed his skills, albeit briefly, scoring 19 runs off 16 balls, featuring 4 boundaries. However, his inning was cut short by the formidable Kagiso Rabada. Nonetheless, these 19 runs were sufficient for Smith to climb the ladder and surpass the iconic Adam Gilchrist.
Steve Smith’s illustrious career has seen him participate in 312 international matches, amassing a staggering total of 15,447 runs at an impressive average of 49.03. Within those innings, Smith has notched up an astounding 44 centuries and 73 half-centuries, with his highest score being an impressive 239.
When it comes to Test cricket, Steve Smith’s record is nothing short of extraordinary. In 102 matches and 181 innings, he has accumulated a total of 9,320 runs at an astonishing average of 58.61. His highest score in Test is 239. His Test career boasts 32 centuries and 39 half-centuries, solidifying his position as one of the format’s leading batsmen.
Furthermore, Smith has showcased his prowess in ODIs, representing Australia in 147 matches. In these ODIs, he has achieved a commendable 5,119 runs at an average of 44.12, with a striking strike rate of over 87. Smith has also marked his presence with 12 centuries and 30 half-centuries, setting a remarkable best score of 164.
In the dynamic world of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), Smith has participated in 63 matches, accumulating 1,008 runs at an average of 25.20. His striking strike rate of over 125, coupled with four half-centuries and a top score of 90, demonstrates his adaptability across various formats of the game.
Adam Gilchrist, whose record Smith has now surpassed, had an illustrious career himself, amassing 15,437 runs in 395 international matches and 428 innings. With an average of 38.98, Gilchrist boasts 33 centuries and 81 half-centuries, with a best score of 204*. He now holds the eighth position among Australia’s all-time run-scorers in international cricket.
At the pinnacle of Australia’s international run-scorers is Ricky Ponting, who has amassed a staggering 27,368 runs in 559 matches and 667 innings. Ponting’s illustrious career boasts an average of 45.84, an incredible 71 centuries, and 146 half-centuries. His highest score, a monumental 257, remains etched in the history of cricket.
Following Ponting are cricketing luminaries such as Steve Waugh, David Warner, Allan Border, Michael Clarke, and Mark Waugh, with Steve Smith now proudly occupying the 7th spot in Australia’s list of international cricket run-scorers.
Steve Smith’s feat is not only a testament to his incredible talent but also a symbol of his dedication to the sport. As the ICC Cricket World Cup unfolds, fans can expect to witness more spectacular performances from this cricketing maestro as he continues to etch his name in the history of the game. Australia can undoubtedly be proud of having produced such remarkable cricketing talent.
