Australian batting maestro Steve Smith stands on the cusp of a significant personal milestone that will see him eclipse Indian superstar Virat Kohli in an elite cricketing record. The stage for this achievement is set to be the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test against England, commencing on December 26, 2025.
The Milestone in Sight
Steve Smith requires just 56 more runs to achieve a remarkable feat. If he scores these runs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, he will become the fastest batter to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket in terms of innings played. This landmark would see him surpass Virat Kohli, who currently holds this particular record.
Smith's journey to this point has been one of sheer consistency and brilliance. As he approaches the 10,000-run club, his career average continues to hover around an astonishing 60, a testament to his dominance in the longest format of the game. The Boxing Day Test at the MCG, a venue steeped in history and often hosting massive crowds, provides a fitting arena for such a monumental accomplishment.
Context of the Series and the Challenge
This Test match is not just about individual records; it is a crucial encounter in the ongoing Ashes series. The pressure of an Ashes battle adds another layer of intensity to Smith's quest. Facing a resurgent English bowling attack, led by the likes of James Anderson and young pacers, will be a formidable challenge.
Smith's form and ability to perform under pressure, however, are well documented. His unique technique and unyielding concentration have often been the difference between Australia and its opponents. Scoring those 56 runs will require him to be at his meticulous best, navigating the early movement and sustained pressure that characterizes Ashes cricket.
What This Record Means
Surpassing Virat Kohli in the race to be the fastest to 10,000 Test runs (by innings) would cement Steve Smith's status as one of the modern greats. It highlights a career of extraordinary productivity and a relentless hunger for runs. While several legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis are members of the 10,000-run club, the speed at which Smith is set to join them underscores his unique impact on the game.
For cricket fans, especially in India, this moment creates a fascinating narrative where two contemporary batting giants are linked by this statistical benchmark. Kohli, a hero to millions, achieved the feat in his 213th innings. Smith is now poised to potentially rewrite that chapter in what could be a defining moment of the 2025 Ashes series.
All eyes will now be on the MCG as Steve Smith walks out to bat. Whether he achieves the milestone in the first innings or shortly after, his pursuit adds a compelling subplot to the traditional Boxing Day spectacle, blending individual brilliance with the timeless rivalry of the Ashes.
