Steve Smith became the third-highest run-scorer in the history of Australian cricket on October 9, 2026, surpassing Steve Waugh’s career aggregate of 10,927 Test runs. Smith achieved the milestone on the opening day of the SA vs AUS first Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, solidifying his place among the all-time greats of Australian batting.
Before Marco Jansen dismissed Steve Smith shortly after the midday break on Day 1, he had contributed 25 runs in Australia’s opening innings. With those 25 runs, he surpassed Waugh’s long-standing record, which had held third place on Australia’s all-time Test run-scoring list for more than two decades.
The individual Steve Smith surpassed, Steve Waugh, retired from Test cricket after scoring 10,927 runs in 168 matches at an average of 51.06, a feat that demonstrates the level of sustained excellence that Smith has exceeded.
The day Steve Smith achieved the milestone, how did his innings unfold?
On Day 1, Australia’s batting performance at Kingsmead was difficult, with Steve Smith contributing a 25-run knock. He formed his most productive partnership of the innings with Marnus Labuschagne, and the two scored 60 runs together before Labuschagne was dismissed for 37. It was the stand that provided Australia with the most consistent period of resistance during the first innings.
Subsequently, Jansen terminated Smith’s tenure at the crease by ordering him to return for 25 runs shortly after lunch. Smith had already done enough to secure his position in the record books before leaving the pitch, but the dismissal occurred during a difficult session for the touring side.
Which position does Steve Smith currently occupy on Australia’s all-time Test run-scoring list?
Steve Smith currently holds the third position on Australia’s all-time Test run-scoring chart, as Waugh’s mark exists behind him. Ricky Ponting continues to dominate the list with 13,378 runs, while Allan Border is second with 11,174 runs. This total serves as the standard for all Australian batters who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Steve Smith Test tenure commenced in July 2010 when he represented Australia against Pakistan at Lord’s. He has amassed over 8,000 runs in the format over the course of more than 15 years. Smith’s objectives for his future career are defined by the disparity between his present total and Border’s second-placed total, as well as the distance to Ponting’s record.
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The milestone underscores Smith’s consistent performance at the Test level over an extended period, establishing him as one of only three Australians to have surpassed 10,927 runs in the format.
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