IND vs AUS: Steve Smith eclipses Ricky Ponting in a batting feat
Steve Smith in action [Source: AP]
In a remarkable turn of events, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has surpassed Ricky Ponting in a batting feat.
During the ongoing first Test against India, Smith scored 37 in the first innings, overtaking Ponting in the list of highest run-getters for Australia against India in their backyard.
Most runs for Australia vs India in India
- Matthew Hayden: 1027 Runs in 11 matches
- Michael Clarke: 972 Runs in 13 matches
- Allan Border: 766 Runs in 9 matches
- Simon Katich: 735 Runs in 10 matches
- Steve Smith: 697 Runs in 7 matches
- Ricky Ponting: 662 Runs in 14 matches
Despite being a gifted batter, Ponting always found it tough to get going in India, managing 662 runs at a mediocre average of 26.48 in 14 games.
Unlike him, Smith has enjoyed stellar success on Indian soil, often frustrating the hosts with his grit and determination.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1581525420213948416/5IbgN8aG_normal.jpg)
However, despite showing enormous patience, Smith was finally defeated by a Ravindra Jadeja arm ball, which breached his defence to shatter the timber.
As a result, Australia, who looked set for a decent first innings score at the end of the first session, are tottering at 118 for five, with Peter Handscomb and Alex Carey batting on 16* and 4*, respectively, as of writing.