Ian Healy Believes Steve Smith Could Play Until He’s 40

New Delhi: Australian cricket legend Ian Healy believes that Steve Smith could continue playing international cricket until the age of 40 after watching his impressive performance against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Smith reached the significant milestone of 10,000 Test runs in the first innings at Galle, where he also scored his 35th century in the format with a remarkable 141 runs.

Also Read: Trump Monitoring Washington Plane Crash Over Potomac River

Healy’s Confidence in Smith’s Longevity

“I was so pleased, his batting is back. I thought he was clear-headed, and he was timing the ball beautifully, even in his defence. I’m saying he could play to 40 now. He’s got heaps ahead of him,” Healy told SENQ.

The 35-year-old Smith joined Australian cricket greats Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting as one of the few Australians to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket. Interestingly, all three of these legends were captains when they achieved this feat.

Smith’s Statistical Greatness

Flicking a left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya for a single to mid-on in his 205th innings, Smith became the fifth fastest batter to reach 10,000 Test runs.

“He’s one of the greatest, and his record is statistically outstanding. He’s right up there. He’ll always get mentioned in maybe the top three and definitely top five. He’s among the likes of Allan Border, Ricky Ponting, Don Bradman, Steve Waugh, and Greg Chappell,” Healy added.

Smith has accumulated 10,000 Test runs at an impressive average of over 55. The only batter with a better average beyond the 10,000 mark is Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, with a career average of 57.40. Among active players, only Joe Root’s tally of 12,972 Test runs surpasses Smith’s total.

Smith’s Quick Rise to 10,000 Test Runs

In terms of matches, only Brian Lara (111) reached 10,000 Test runs in fewer Tests than Smith’s 115. Other players like Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting have also reached the milestone in more innings than Smith, who achieved the feat in just 205 innings.

On the opening day of the Test in Galle, Smith finished unbeaten on 104 runs. He later brought up his 35th Test century, contributing significantly to Australia’s total score of 330/2 by the end of the first day.

Smith’s mammoth innings of 141 runs, which ended on Day 2, combined with Usman Khawaja’s impressive 204, helped Australia reach 475/3 by lunch on Day 2.