Ashes 2023: Steve Smith becomes second fastest batter to reach 9,000 Test runs

The 34-year-old became the second fastest batter to reach the feat, reaching the mark in his 174th innings, next only to Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara who did it in 172 innings.

Australia’s Steven Smith in action. | Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters

Steve Smith became the second fastest to reach the 9,000 Test runs mark during the Ashes second Test against England at the Lords stadium in London on Wednesday.

HIGHLIGHTS | 2nd Ashes Test, Day 1

The 34-year-old reached the feat in 174 innings, next only to Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara who did it in 172 innings. However, Smith is the fastest in terms of matches taken to reach the achievement - 99.

Smith has scored 37 half centuries and 31 tons at an average of 56.61.

The Australian batter topped the occasion off with a half century and reached 85 off 150 balls at the end of day one. Australia, after being forced to bat, finished at 339/5.

Australia pulled off an unlikely win in the first Test, with catain Pat Cummins scoring an unbeaten 73-ball 44 to see his team through on the final day as the Aussies beat England by two wickets.

Fastest to 9,000 Test runs

Kumar Sangakkara - 172 innings

Steve Smith 174 innings

Rahul Dravid - 176 innings

Brian Lara - 177 innings

Ricky Ponting - 177 innings