Steve Smith reaches 11,000 Test runs milestone during second Test against South Africa

Australian batsman Steve Smith achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. He became the third Australian and 12th overall player to reach this mark, placing him behind only Ricky Ponting and Allan Border among Australian run-scorers. Despite battling neck pain throughout his innings, which required multiple medical treatments and affected his technique, Smith managed to reach this landmark before being dismissed for 28 runs. Additionally, Smith became the ninth Australian to score 1,000 Test runs against South Africa, joining an elite group including Ponting, Steve Waugh, and David Warner.