As the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test between Australia and India approaches, key players Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are on the verge of achieving significant career milestones that could further cement their legacies in international cricket.
Steve Smith, Australia’s seasoned batsman and one of two vice-captains, is nearing an extraordinary milestone. After ending a 25-innings century drought with a stunning century in the drawn Brisbane Test, Smith now stands just 191 runs away from the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark. This achievement would make him only the fourth Australian batsman to reach this landmark, joining the illustrious ranks of Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh.
Smith’s impressive record in Boxing Day Tests underscores his prowess, having amassed 1,093 runs in 11 matches at an average of 78.07, including four centuries and five fifties. His overall Test career boasts 9,809 runs across 112 Tests and 200 innings, maintaining a formidable average of 56.05 with 33 centuries and 41 fifties to his name.
| Format | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 2010–2024 | 112 | 200 | 25 | 9,809 | 239 | 56.0 | 18,367 | 53.4 | 33 | 41 | 1,076 | 54 |
Parallel to Smith’s batting achievements, Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins could also make history during the Boxing Day Test against India. The elite fast bowler is just eight wickets short of claiming 500 international wickets, a feat achieved by only six other Australian bowlers: Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, and Nathan Lyon.
Cummins has been a relentless force with the ball, having taken 492 wickets at an impressive average of 24.53. His best bowling figures of 6/23 and 14 five-wicket hauls highlight his ability to change the course of a match with his searing pace and accurate deliveries.
| Span | Mat | Inns | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Avg | Econ | SR | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2024 | 212 | 268 | 3181.3 | 527 | 12,071 | 492 | 6/23 | 10/62 | 24.53 | 3.79 | 38.7 | 14 | 2 |
With both Cummins and Smith on the cusp of their respective milestones, the Boxing Day Test holds immense significance for both Australia and India. With a win, the hosts can virtually guarantee their place in the WTC final while India needs a positive result to keep their slim chances alive as well. The fourth test of the already cracking series promises to deliver another stellar affair.