Ian Healy Envisions Steve Smith Playing Until 40
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Synopsis
Ian Healy believes Steve Smith could extend his cricket career until age 40 after a stellar performance against Sri Lanka, reaching 10,000 Test runs and securing his 35th century in Galle. Healy praises Smith's clear-headedness and timing, highlighting his exceptional statistics.
Key Takeaways
- Ian Healy is optimistic about Steve Smith's potential to play until 40.
- Smith scored his 10,000th Test run and 35th century in Galle.
- Healy noted Smith's impressive batting form and timing.
- Smith joins legends like Allan Border and Ricky Ponting in 10,000 Test runs.
- His average exceeds 55, only behind Kumar Sangakkara among active players.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) Australian cricket legend Ian Healy is optimistic that seasoned batter Steve Smith has the potential to continue his international cricket career until the age of 40, following an impressive performance against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Smith achieved the remarkable milestone of 10,000 Test runs during the first innings at Galle, where he also celebrated his 35th century in the format with a score of 141.
“I was thrilled; his batting is back. He appeared clear-headed and was timing the ball exquisitely, even in his defense. I’m suggesting he could play until 40 now. He has plenty ahead of him,” Healy shared with SENQ.
The 35-year-old batter joined the ranks of Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting as one of the Australians to surpass the 10,000 Test runs mark. Notably, all three were captains of the Test team when they achieved this milestone.
Smith flicked left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya for a single to mid-on in his 205th innings, making him the fifth fastest player to reach 10,000 Test runs by innings.
“He’s among the greats, and his statistics reflect that; he’s certainly in the conversation for the top three, and definitely in the top five. He’s mentioned alongside Allan Border, Ricky Ponting, Don Bradman, Steve Waugh, and Greg Chappell.
Smith has reached his 10,000 runs with an impressive average exceeding 55, with only Sri Lankan batter Kumar Sangakkara having a better return (57.40) among those with over 10,000 runs. Among active players, only Joe Root stands higher with 12,972 Test runs.
In terms of matches played, only Brian Lara (111) has reached the milestone in fewer Tests than Smith's 115. Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara (all took 195 innings), and Ricky Ponting (196) are the only players to have achieved this in fewer innings.
Smith ended the first day in Galle not out at 104, bringing up his 35th Test century later that day, contributing to Australia’s impressive score of 330/2 in the first Test.
His remarkable innings of 141, completed on day 2, in partnership with Usman Khawaja, who scored 204, propelled Australia to 475/3 at lunch on Day 2.
