Steve Smith goes past 15,500 runs in First-Class cricket: Stats
What's the story
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith has added another feather to his cap by completing 15,500 runs in First-Class cricket. The milestone was achieved on Day 3 of the fifth and final Ashes Test match against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Smith entered the match, needing 31 runs to reach the landmark. He went to score a stunning hundred. Here are his stats.
Knock
A fine hand from the skipper
Responding to England's first innings score of 384/10, the Aussies were well placed at 234/3 when Smith arrived to bat. The skipper took the innings forward with half-century stands with fellow centurion Travis Head (163) and Usman Khawaja (17). He further added 70-plus with Cameron Green (37) and Beau Webster (42*) as Australia ended the day at 518 /7.
Information
Smith finished the day unbeaten on 129*
Smith finished Day 3 with an unbeaten 129 off 205 balls, having smashed 15 fours and a six. He has scored 13 centuries in Ashes, second only to Australia's Sir Donald Bradman 19. The Australian great broke the tie with England's Jack Hobbs.
FC career
53 tons in FC cricket
Playing his 188th FC match, Smith has raced past 15,590 runs at an impressive average of over 54, as per ESPNcricinfo. His FC tally includes a staggering 54 centuries and 67 half-centuries, with his highest score being 239. Smith made his FC debut for New South Wales in the Pura Cup back in 2008 and played his first Test match in 2010.
Tests
Over 10,700 runs in Tests
Earlier this year, Smith became the fourth Australian to complete 10,000 runs in Tests. Playing his 123rd match, Smith has raced past 10,700 runs. His current average of 56-plus is only second to Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (57.40) among the 15 batters with 10,000-plus Test runs. In addition to 37 tons, Smith has 44 fifties (200s: 4).