SL vs AUS 2025: Steve Smith overtake Ricky Ponting as Australia’s leading Test run-scorer in Asia

Steve Smith, an Australian batsman, is now Australia’s top run scorer in Asian subcontinental Test matches. On Day 2 of the second Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, Smith achieved the milestone.

Smith surpassed former captain Ricky Ponting in terms of the most Test runs scored by an Australian batsman in the Asian subcontinent on day two when he hit a single towards long-off on the fourth delivery of the 27th over of Australia’s first innings.

In 48 innings, Ponting amassed 1889 runs at an average of 41.97. In six fewer innings, Smith surpassed Ponting’s total, and he did so at an average of more than 50 (51.08). It’s interesting to note that the milestone was achieved the day after he eclipsed Ponting’s record for the most catches made by an Australian outfielder in Test cricket (197).

Smith has a northward average of 50 in the red-ball format for India (50.31), Pakistan (56.50), and Sri Lanka (73.22). In typically difficult circumstances for Australian batters of all generations, the stats and consistency have made him one of the country’s best hitters. Uncertainty surrounds whether this series will be his last in Asia, though. Smith will be getting close to 38 by early 2027, when Australia’s next subcontinental tour is scheduled to take place in India.

As Australia dominates, Steve Smith scores his 36th Test century.

In reference to the current Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka, Smith recorded his 36th Test century, continuing his run-scoring rampage. On the current tour, it was his second in as many innings.

Australia took Sri Lanka’s last wicket early in the morning session and finished the day with a comfortable 330/3. Alex Carey scored a strong 139 off 156 deliveries to stay undefeated. On the third day of the match, the tourists will try to increase their lead.