Steve Smith joins Ricky Ponting, Allan Border in elite Australian club, fifth-fastest to 11K Test runs

Australian batting superstar Steve Smith reached another career milestone on Wednesday, becoming the third Australian and the 12th player overall to score 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.The 37-year-old achieved the landmark during Australia's first innings at St George's Park, scoring 28 off 88 balls, including two fours, before being bowled by Wiaan Mulder.Smith reached 11,000 Test runs in 226 innings, making him the fifth-fastest batter to the milestone. Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara holds the record, having taken just 208 innings, followed by West Indies great Brian Lara (213).Smith joins Ponting, Border in Australian eliteSmith joined former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Allan Border in the country's exclusive 11,000-run club. Ponting tops the Australian list with 13,378 Test runs, while Border finished his career with 11,174.Among batters to reach the milestone, Ponting needed 222 innings, while India's Sachin Tendulkar took 223. Smith's 226 innings put him ahead of Rahul Dravid and South Africa's Jacques Kallis, who both required 234 innings.The landmark adds to Smith's remarkable record in the longest format, where he has established himself as one of the leading batters of his generation.Fewest innings for 11,000 Test runs208 - Kumar Sangakkara213 - Brian Lara222 - Ricky Ponting223 - Sachin Tendulkar226 - Steve Smith234 - Rahul Dravid / Jacques KallisAustralia bowled out for 99 as South Africa enforce follow-onSmith's personal achievement came on a difficult day for Australia, who were dismissed for just 99 in their first innings after South Africa posted a commanding total.Marco Jansen led the hosts' attack with five wickets, while Mulder claimed two, including Smith's wicket.South Africa's innings was anchored by captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 179, with Jansen contributing 85 to help the hosts recover from an early collapse.Having secured a substantial first-innings advantage, South Africa enforced the follow-on and put Australia under immense pressure in the ongoing second Test of the series.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.