Ashes 2023: Steve Smith achieves another milestone in test
Steve smith became the fastest to reach the 9000-run Tests in terms of matches.He achieved the feat in his 99th Test match
Crickate
Steve Smith entered the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on the heels of a magnificent century against India in the World Test Championship final. The Australian batting sensation was dismissed with scores of 16 and 6 in the two innings of the Edgbaston Test, failing to assert his dominance. However, Australia emerged victorious, defeating their archrivals by two wickets.
England won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the second Test at Lord's. With the score at 96/2, Smith strode to the plate and displayed determination from the start. He reached 24 off only 15 deliveries, aided by three magnificent boundaries.
Smith reached 9000 Test runs by flicking Ben Stokes between mid-wicket and mid-on with the first delivery of the 42nd over. He accomplished the feat in his 99th Test. In terms of matches, the right-handed batter became the quickest to attain the 9000-run club.
He surpassed the mark established by Brian Lara, who reached the landmark in his 101st Test. The former Australian captain became the second-fastest batsman in terms of innings, behind only Kumar Sangakkara. Smith accomplished the feat in his 174th innings, whereas the Sri Lankan batsman did so in his 172nd.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith lead Australia to a victory over Tea
According to ICC classifications, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are two of the best batsmen in Test cricket. Both batsmen failed to score in the first Test but have redeemed themselves at Lord's.
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Both of Australia's opening matches were lost by a score of 96 to 2. Smith and Labuschagne have steadied the ship for the World Test Champions, who are comfortably situated at 190/2 at the end of the first day.
Labuschagne is unbeaten with 45 runs off 80 balls, while his senior companion has 38 runs off 70 balls. England must make progress during the third session.
