{"id":226266,"date":"2025-01-28T17:20:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T17:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/28\/steve-smith-set-to-pass-10000-test-runs-in-sri-lanka-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T17:20:12","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T17:20:12","slug":"steve-smith-set-to-pass-10000-test-runs-in-sri-lanka-cricket-news-the-times-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/28\/steve-smith-set-to-pass-10000-test-runs-in-sri-lanka-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Steve Smith set to pass 10,000 Test runs in Sri Lanka | Cricket News – The Times of India"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Steve Smith. (Pic Credit – X)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith<\/a> stands on the brink of an extraordinary milestone as he prepares to lead his side in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Smith, just one run shy of the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark, is poised to become the 15th player in cricket history \u2013 and only the fourth Australian after Ricky Ponting, Allan Border<\/a>, and Steve Waugh<\/a> \u2013 to achieve this feat.
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The 35-year-old, who has scored 9,999 runs in 114 Tests at an average exceeding 55, downplayed the looming milestone, stating his focus is solely on the match.<\/p>\n

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Virat Kohli trains at Kotla ahead of Ranji Trophy return<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cHonestly, I\u2019m trying not to think about it too much,\u201d Smith told reporters. Reflecting on his recent outings, Smith admitted that the pressure of the milestone affected him during Australia\u2019s final Test against India, where he scored 33 and four runs, leaving him tantalizingly short of the landmark.
\u201cNow it\u2019s about focusing on the job at hand,\u201d he added.
Adjustments for Galle<\/span>
With regular skipper Pat Cummins unavailable for the series, Smith will captain Australia on a Galle pitch expected to heavily favor spinners. Travis Head has been confirmed as the opener, replacing 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
\u201cTravis will bat at the top, but we\u2019ll finalize the XI after another look at the pitch tomorrow morning,\u201d Smith said, adding that the surface has changed slightly since the previous inspection.
The Inglis Factor<\/span>
Smith also hinted at the possibility of wicketkeeper Josh Inglis<\/a> making his Test debut. The 29-year-old has been in fine form and could play a pivotal role if selected.
\u201cHe has solid defense, plays spin well, and scores all around the wicket. If he gets his chance, I\u2019m confident he\u2019ll grab it with both hands,\u201d Smith said.
Stakes for Both Teams
Australia, already confirmed for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord\u2019s in June, will be looking to consolidate their position as the world\u2019s top-ranked Test side.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will aim to reclaim the Warne-Murali Trophy and secure a 2-0 series win, which would propel them to third place in the WTC standings.
\u201cThis series has extra meaning for us,\u201d de Silva said. \u201cThe last time we won the Warne-Murali Trophy was in 2016, my debut series. Many players from that squad are still with us, and we believe we can repeat history.\u201d
Injury Concerns for Sri Lanka<\/span>
Sri Lanka faces challenges with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out of the first Test due to a groin injury, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva is nursing a side strain.
\u201cPathum is a key player, and we\u2019re hopeful he\u2019ll be fit for the second Test. Whoever steps in will have a golden opportunity to make a mark,\u201d de Silva said.
Oshada Fernando<\/a> is the frontrunner to replace Nissanka. Known for his domestic run-scoring consistency, Fernando will look to seize his chance on a ground where Sri Lanka boasts a strong record, winning 27 of 46 Tests.
Recent History<\/span>
The two sides last clashed in a Test series in 2022, also in Galle, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Sri Lanka\u2019s dominant 3-0 victory in 2016, which marked de Silva\u2019s debut, remains a benchmark the hosts are eager to replicate.
With history, milestones, and high stakes on the line, the Galle opener promises to be a thrilling contest between two competitive teams.<\/div>\n