SL v AUS: Steve Smith Joins 10,000-Test Run Club After Lengthy Wait
Steve Smith has officially joined the exclusive 10,000-Test run club, becoming just the fourth Australian cricketer to achieve this rare milestone. Steve Smith’s Near-Miss At The SCG The 35-year-old right-hander, Steve Smith reached the landmark in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle, after an agonising wait following his near-miss earlier this month. Steve Smith’s Milestone Moment In Galle Steve Smith had only been one run away from 10,000 during Australia’s game against India at the SCG, when he was dismissed for 9,999 runs. Many wondered if he would ever reach or cross that exact threshold. On Thursday in Galle, however, Smith’s wait finally ended in spectacular style as, with the first ball he faced, he made his 10,000th. He had walked to the crease with Australia at 2-137 in the opening session and immediately went on the attack, striking a single to mid-on off Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya. The crowd erupted in applause as Smith raised his bat, sharing a brief embrace with his batting partner Usman Khawaja. Steve Smith Celebrates The Achievement The moment was bittersweet for Steve Smith, who looked sheepish as he acknowledged the crowd, however, the achievement was monumental. He is now part of an elite group that includes Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting, all of whom have surpassed the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. Notably, all three were present at the SCG for the match where Steve Smith’s wait began. Galle’s Quiet Celebration Galle, though, was an altogether low-key affair and only a small number of Aussie supporters were out to cheer on Smith at this small seaside venue. Nonetheless, the achievement it still carries does great importance for the cricket world. He now joins some of the game’s greatest players, with only Brian Lara reaching the milestone in fewer Tests than Smith’s 115. Alongside Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting, Smith is one of only a few to have achieved such a feat in under 200 innings. Among active players, only England’s Joe Root, with 12,972 Test runs, has a higher tally than Steve Smith. A Year Of Near Misses And Achievements For Steve Smith Steve Smith had come into the Australian summer 315 runs shy of the milestone and had been inching his way back with centuries in successive tests against England in Brisbane and Melbourne. When he walked into Sydney for the New Year’s Test, he needed only 38 runs; yet he was caught for 33 early on the second day of the match. The next two departures in the 9,990s brought him into the Sri Lanka series to finally gain the mark he had long pursued. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: India’s Tour Of Australia Dissected
Team India has had a disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The men in blue were expected to do much better by their fans. However, let’s understand what went wrong with the Indian Cricket Team during their tour of Australia. Team India’s Early Concerns India’s tour of Australia started with a question mark over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, many wondering what the team would do if he wasn’t available. However, Bumrah not only played but also produced a series of scintillating performances, almost single-handedly keeping India in the hunt. His leadership and bowling inspired the rest of the attack. However, despite his heroics, India’s chances of success ultimately crumbled without him in the final stages of the series. Team India’s Batting And Leadership Struggles The most notable subplot of the series was the disappointing batting. While Rohit Sharma led by example, his own batting form let him down, whereas Virat Kohli, even at his best attempt to rally his team, made only an indelible mark in the second innings of the Perth test with a crucial century but couldn’t convert stars into substantial innings. Virat and Rohit, who form the spine of Indian batting were not well supported by the rest of the batters. KL Rahul, starting quite sensibly, again became invisible in important moments of the game, something like his ill-judged shot against Scott Boland at the SCG. Team India’s Haphazard Selections And Missed Chances What was concerning at the selection end too. Introducing Harshit Rana at Perth when things were already down and not sending Washington Sundar to bat before the overcast SCG is a dubious policy. Further changes in opening combo, like asking Rohit Sharma to bide time to bat below five, haven’t helped. Among these selection mistakes, all through the series it was such strategic blunders also that provided flavor to chaos this tour epitomized. Australia’s Consistent Performances With chaos all around, India’s bowling remains a strength still led by Jasprit Bumrah. Nevertheless, without appropriate support from their batting lineup, the bowlers did not win any of the moments where they needed them to win this series. It was a case of a very balanced performance by Australia. For Pat Cummins, his tie-up with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as well as great contributions from the bat of Steven Smith and Travis Head kept his team ahead. Gambhir’s Tough Decisions In the end, team India’s failure to bring their best games through key individuals in addition to few tough selections they made in a series resulted to be very pricey. Now the series ends losing the BGT, the head coach Gautam Gambhir needs to take many tough calls on players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ahead team India will have to find a gap and rebuild again for challenges it will face again in the upcoming WTC cycle. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Steve Smith Finally Finds His Hands At The GABBA
He was never out of form, he was just out of runs. Or maybe he was just finding his hands. And today, he silenced his critics with a fantastic ton against the Indian Cricket Team. Yes, we are speaking about none other than Steve Smith. Steve Smith Returns To Form With 33rd Test Match Ton On Day 2 of the third test match at the GABBA, Steve Smith finally silenced his doubters and ended his yearlong century drought with a resolute and disciplined 101 runs against India. His 33rd Test century came before an electrified Brisbane crowd as the former Australian captain showed mental resilience and patience in a challenging battle against India’s relentless bowlers. A Steve Smith Sunday Masterclass Smith’s innings came off 185 balls and was a masterclass in composure. He found his rhythm despite the pressure of the moment and the testing spells from India. His drives and cuts were a reminder of the class that has defined his illustrious career. Dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah with an edge caught behind at slip, Smith departed with his trademark focus and poise, having re-established himself as one of cricket’s finest battlers. Steve Smith Celebrates Calmly The 82nd over of Australia’s innings was the turning point when Smith hit a boundary off Akash Deep and then took a single off the next delivery to take his hundred. Smith’s calm celebration was cheered by teammates and fans. Smith’s century was not just a personal triumph, it signaled his return to form during a crucial moment in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This century marked his first since December 2022 and his 10th century against India in 22 Tests and so far he has averaged over 60 against India. This was Smith’s first hundred in 2024. Therefore, it proved that Steve Smith is back to all guns blazing as more big knock would be needed in days to come. Steve Smith Century Sets Australia Through Fire Steve Smith shared an instrumental 241-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket, a partnership that proved crucial in pushing Australia past the 300-run mark on Day 2. Both Smith and Head capitalized on their opportunities to put Australia in a strong position against a competitive Indian Cricket Team. Rohit Catches Smith It was only by a spectacular catch from Rohit Sharma that ended Steve Smith’s innings at 101 while returning him to the pavilion. He had also given enough momentum and confidence to Australia going into the remaining parts of the game, despite being dismissed. Captain Cummins Backs Smith Steve Smith’s return to form came just days after Australian skipper Pat Cummins publicly backed him during his lean patch with the bat. Smith’s great display at the GABBA only seemed to reinforce that confidence, as he rode out the pressure and delivered when it mattered most. Over 2,000 runs against India alone and a proven record in big moments, Steve Smith has set the tone for a strong finish to the series. With this century behind him, all the remaining matches at Sydney and Melbourne will be focused on by Smith to continue his form, thus making his position stronger as one of the cricketing world’s most consistent performers. Steve Smith Turns To Be Mentally Strong Steve Smith’s drought-breaking century was a display of his mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure. In a year filled with challenges, Smith’s test match century against the Indian Cricket Team has not only lifted his personal confidence but has sent a clear message to the world, Smith is back in the groove and his hunger remains undiminished. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, all cricket fans and pundits can only wait to see if Steve Smith manages to maintain his rhythm with the bat and take Australian cricket to further heights of success. With his 33rd test match century now in the record-books and Australia in such a strong position at GABBA, Steve Smith has surely written another remarkable chapter to his storied career. Has there been a more popular hundred in the recent times? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Steve Smith Keen On Representing Australia At LA 2028 Olympics
With the inclusion of cricket in the LA Olympics 2028, cricketers have been buzzing to be a part of the mega event. One of such cricketers is Australia’s Steve Smith. In a recent interaction with the media Smith revealed his intentions to feature in the Los Angeles Olympics which is to be held in 2028. Smith seems to be ready to prepare himself and walk in the Road To LA28 as he states to play the T20 format for a longer period of time. “I could still be playing T20 cricket in four years, so you never know. It’s a format I can see myself playing probably for a lot longer than some of the others, especially with the franchise stuff around the world. I’ve signed on here for three years so it’s only another year after that. It would be cool to be part of an Olympics,” Smith said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I don’t have any plans. I’m just enjoying playing at the moment, I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to this summer,” he added further. Steve Smith’s exclusion from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 came as a surprise to many, as Australia bowed out of the tournament in the Super 8 stage. Despite this setback, the Australian remains active in the Big Bash League, where he continues to represent the Sydney Sixers. Smith recently secured a three-year contract with the franchise, fueling his ambition to return to Australia’s T20I team ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles—a milestone event as cricket makes its Olympic debut. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Former England Cricketer and Coach, Graham Thorpe Passes Away
The cricketing fraternity is in shock at losing one of its finest, a fine former cricketer for England, and coach, Graham Thorpe, who left the world at the age of 55. His demise was announced on Monday, 05th August, 2024, by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Critically Acclaimed Playing Career Thorpe was a highly reputed player for his excellent skill and value he brought to the game. Between 1993 and 2005, he played 100 Test matches for England, scoring 6,744 runs with 16 centuries at an average of 44.25. He was a fine-looking left-handed batsman and an important player for the England team, as well as for Surrey County Cricket Club, his county team, for which he scored 49 first-class centuries at an average of 45.04 in 189 matches. Coach After retiring as a player in 2005, Thorpe became involved in coaching. He began his coaching career in Australia, where he worked with some up-and-coming talents of New South Wales—Steve Smith and David Warner. In 2010, he became the batting coach of the England national team. Among his coaching experiences were guiding England’s top players to success in all forms of the game. Last Coaching Role Thorpe’s final role was as assistant coach during England’s troubled Ashes tour last winter. Following England’s 4-0 series defeat, he, along with head coach Chris Silverwood and director of cricket Ashley Giles, resigned in an immediate reshuffle by the ECB. A Lasting Legacy Thorpe’s playing and coaching legacy is one of high skill, dedication, and passion for the game. He has left a lasting impact on cricket, and he will be remembered well by cricket enthusiasts, fans, colleagues, and the cricketing fraternity. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
