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.
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.
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