SL vs AUS 2025: Steve Smith overtakes Ricky Ponting as Australia's leading Test run-scorer in Asia
The standby skipper is currently stacking up runs in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.
Australian batter Steve Smith has become Australia's leading run-getter in Tests in the Asian subcontinent. Smith attained the landmark on Day 2 of the second Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka.
Smith reached the milestone with a single towards long-off on the fourth delivery of the 27th over of Australia's first innings on day two, going past former skipper Ricky Ponting in terms of the number of Test runs scored by an Australian batter in the Asian subcontinent.
Ponting scored 1889 runs in 48 innings at an average of 41.97. Smith overhauled Ponting's tally in six innings fewer, that too at an average in excess of 50 (51.08). Interestingly, the landmark came just a day after breaking he broke Ponting's record for the most catches in Test cricket by an Australian outfielder (197).
Smith possesses an average northwards of 50 in the red-ball format in each of Sri Lanka (73.22), Pakistan (56.50), and India (50.31). The numbers coupled with consistency have made one of the nation's finest batters in otherwise challenging conditions for Australian batters across generations. However, uncertainty looms on whether the current series will be his final one in Asia. Australia's next subcontinent tour is slated to be in India in early 2027, by when Smith will be nearing 38.
Smith notches 36th Test ton as Australia reign supreme
Speaking of the ongoing Test between Sri Lanka and Australia, Smith extended his run-scoring spree by registering his 36th Test ton. It was his second in as many innings on the current tour.
Australia ended the day on a comfortable 330/3 after claiming Sri Lanka's final wicket early on in the morning session. Alex Carey remained unbeaten on a solid 139 off 156 deliveries. The tourists will be looking to extend their lead on the third day of the game.
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