Smith edges past Waugh into third

Australian batter Steve Smith has overtaken former Australia captain Steve Waugh to become his country’s third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.

The right-hander crossed Waugh’s tally of 10,927 runs during Australia’s opening Test against South Africa in Durban on Friday, reaching 10,930 after scoring 25.

Only Ricky Ponting, with 13,378 runs, and Allan Border, with 11,174, have scored more Test runs for Australia than Smith.

Waugh finished his Test career with 10,927 runs in 168 matches at an average of 51.06.

Smith, who made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010, has established himself as one of Australia’s most dependable batters through his consistency, patience and ability to accelerate when required.

The latest achievement also places the 37-year-old 12th on the all-time Test run-scoring list, with India great Sachin Tendulkar leading the chart with 15,921 runs.

England captain Joe Root is second with 14,278, followed by Ponting on 13,378. South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and India’s Rahul Dravid occupy fourth and fifth positions with 13,289 and 13,288 runs, respectively.