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Most Runs for Australia in Tests: The second and final match of the two-game Test series between Australia and Bangladesh will be played in Mackay starting August 22. This match promises to be special, as the Mackay stadium is set to host an international Test match for the first time. While the Australian team will take the field aiming to level the series after losing the first match, experienced batter Steve Smith will have his sights set on a historic personal milestone.
Steve Smith Nears Historic Milestone Ahead of Steve Waugh
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In this match, Steve Smith has a golden opportunity to surpass the record held by legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh by scoring 50 runs. Upon doing so, Smith will move into third place on the list of Australia's all-time leading run-scorers in Test cricket.
During the first innings of the opening Test, Smith scored a half-century to overtake former great Allan Border. Here is a look at Smith's current Test career record:
- Matches: 124
- Innings: 222
- Total Runs: 10,878
- Average: 56.07
In comparison, Steve Waugh scored 10,927 runs at an average of 51.06 across 260 innings in 168 Test matches during his career. Smith needs just 50 runs to surpass them.
Most Test Runs for Australia: Top Run-Scorers List
| Player | Matches | Innings | Total Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting | 168 | 287 | 13,378 | 51.85 |
| Allan Border | 156 | 265 | 11,174 | 50.65 |
| Steve Waugh | 168 | 260 | 10,927 | 51.06 |
| Steve Smith | 124 | 222 | 10,878 | 56.07 |
Smith currently needs 296 runs to break Allan Border's record (11,174 runs), a milestone he will aim to achieve in upcoming matches.
Also Read: Australia announce playing 11 for 2nd test vs BAN, Renshaw returns
Australia Seeks Comeback After 9-Wicket Defeat in 1st Test
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The first match of the series was deeply disappointing for the Australian team, as Bangladesh handed them a crushing 9-wicket defeat. In the first innings, Steve Smith scored 71 runs off 109 balls, hitting 7 fours and 1 six, while in the second innings, he played a resilient knock of 44 runs off 88 balls.
Cameron Green also scored a magnificent century (104 runs) in the second innings, but his efforts were not enough to save the team from defeat. Now, the Australian team will make every effort to bounce back in the second Test to be played in Mackay.
Also Read: Most Fifties in Test Cricket History: Joe Root Equals Sachin Record
