Having started out as a bowler in international cricket, Steve Smith pulled off one of the most outrageous arcs to become a top Test batter of this era. After Don Bradman, in Tests, Smith is arguably the best batter that Australia has produced. He has toppled quite a few records and the 33-year-old would have set sights on a few more before he bids adieu to the game. On that note, here, we take a look at four records Steve Smith might break before he retires from International cricket.
Note: The statistics mentioned are as of March 3rd, 2003.
1) Fastest to 13000 Test runs (Sachin Tendulkar – 266 innings)
In this regard, Steve Smith has already been the fastest to a few milestones. He could become the fastest to score 13000 Test runs, a feat that only four cricketers have achieved till now.
Sachin Tendulkar did it in 266 innings and at the moment, Smith stands at 8744 runs in 167 innings. Considering he has a few more years left at the highest level, if he could maintain the current form, he could easily get to this record.
2) Most catches in Tests by a non-wicket-keeper (Rahul Dravid – 210)
Taking the most catches in Tests is one of the records Steve Smith might break before he retires from International cricket. Yes, Smith’s quality as a catcher has dropped in recent months but he still has a good chance to beat Rahul Dravid’s record.
Right now, the Aussie cricketer has 154 catches and considering he is a slip-fielder, we could expect him to get some more catches before he retires. Therefore, this record also features on this list.
3) Most Hundreds in a Test series (Clyde Walcott – 5)
Scoring the most centuries in a Test series is also one of the records Steve Smith might break before he retires from International cricket. One of the hallmarks of Steve Smith is that if he finds his groove, he makes the maximum use of it. His peaks are very high and that has helped him achieve many records.
Clyde Walcott once scored five centuries in a Test series. That is the max ever by any batter. With the Border Gavaskar Trophy increasing to five Tests and with a couple of Ashes that he could participate, Smith has a chance to better his record of four centuries in a series.
4) Highest winner of the Allan Border Medal (Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke – 4)
The Allan Border Medal happens to be one of the most prestigious honours for an Australian male cricketer. The upcoming players aspire to win it one day and till now, three players have won it four times. However, Steve Smith has a fantastic chance to go to the top of the list, which may not be reached so easily.
Steve Smith, if he has at least one more good season before he retires, can win the medal and go clear of Ponting and Clarke. This is a record that Steve Smith would be keen to have as he would then be etched in the folklore of Australian cricket.
