Steve Smith becomes the second-fastest batter in Test cricket history to achieve 9000 runs. Steve Smith left the Edgbaston Test early in both innings. He has made an immediate impact in the ongoing second Test at Lord’s.
Steve Smith came into the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston fresh off a century against India in the World Test Championship final. The star Australian batsman, on the other hand, failed to stamp his dominance in the Edgbaston Test, being removed for 16 and 6 in the two innings. Australia, on the other hand, triumphed by two wickets over their archrivals.
In the second Test at Lord’s, England won the toss and chose to bat first. Smith stepped out to bat with the score at 96/2 and batted with purpose from the start. With three exquisite boundaries, he raced to 24 in just 15 balls.
Smith reached 9000 Test runs when he flicked Ben Stokes between mid-wicket and mid-on in the first ball of the 42nd over. He accomplished this in his 99th Test match. In terms of contests, the right-hander became the quickest to achieve the 9000-run club. He broke the record set by Brian Lara, who accomplished the feat in his 101st Test. In terms of innings, the former Australian captain now ranks second only to Kumar Sangakkara. Smith hit the milestone in his 174th innings, while the Sri Lankan batsman did so in his 172nd.
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Australia is taken to Tea by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
According to the ICC rankings, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are among the best batters in Test cricket. Both hitters failed to score in the first Test but have recovered admirably at Lord’s.
Australia lost both of their first innings, with the score at 96/2. Smith and Labuschagne have helped the World Test Champions to a comfortable 190/2 lead at tea on Day 1.
While Labuschagne is unbeaten on 45 runs from 80 deliveries, his senior partner has scored 38 runs from 70 deliveries. In the third session, England will need to make some gains.
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