Australian veteran Steve Smith made history on Wednesday by becoming the third Australian to reach 11,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The landmark arrived amid a nightmare outing for the visitors, who were bundled out for just 99 runs in their first innings and forced to follow on.
- Smith became the 12th cricketer in Test history and the third Australian after Ricky Ponting and Allan Border to cross the 11,000-run milestone.
- The right-handed batter achieved the milestone in 226 innings, making him the fifth-fastest player in the game’s history to complete 11,000 Test runs.
- Smith top-scored for Australia with a patient 28 off 88 deliveries featuring two boundaries before falling to seam bowler Wiaan Mulder.
- Left-arm seamer Marco Jansen bagged a five-wicket haul as South Africa bowled Australia out for 99 to enforce the follow-on.
Match Situation: Jansen Tears Through Australian Lineup
Australia had no answers to the Proteas’ bowling attack on a demanding St George’s Park surface. South Africa had earlier established complete dominance in the contest courtesy of a magnificent 179 from captain Temba Bavuma and an aggressive 85 from all-rounder Marco Jansen, pulling the hosts out of early trouble. In response, Australia’s batting order folded cheaply. Jansen spearheaded the attack, capturing five wickets to dismantle the top and middle order, while Mulder chipped in with two scalps. Smith proved to be the lone frontline batter to offer resistance, grinding out 28 runs across 88 deliveries before Mulder breached his defence. With Australia bowled out for a meager 99, the home side promptly enforced the follow-on.
What Happens Next: Series Balance at Stake
Having enforced the follow-on, South Africa find themselves in prime position to push for victory and level the three-match series at 1-1. The visitors now require an immense second-innings batting fightback to overcome the massive deficit and avoid a demoralising defeat in Gqeberha. While Smith’s milestone cements his standing among legends such as Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Kumar Sangakkara, the immediate priority for Australia remains finding a way to withstand an inspired South African pace onslaught.
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