n8rngtd.topSteven Smith’s average of 64.56 is the all-time No. 1 at the 68-Test mark, where he currently stands. Just how did he get there?
Srinath Sripath15-Sep-2019And so Steven Smith has wrapped up another prolific Ashes series, finishing with a mammoth 774 runs from seven innings, at a Bradmanesque return of 129 runs per knock. It’s the sort of incredible series aggregate that has come to define him over the past few years, as his batting average has surged and surged its way up the all-time charts.After 68 Tests, Smith surely is rubbing shoulders with the greatest names to have played the game, but just where does he stand in comparison? He is just 23 runs shy of Don Bradman’s career aggregate, and when he goes past that, will have the highest average among those who have scored that many runs.Here he is, in a bar-chart race with the 31 batsmen who have played at least 50 Tests, and averaged above 50. Pro tip: keep an eye for the 28-Test mark, where he first comes into the picture.
While this chart is more proof that there is no-one in the game statistically equal to the Don, Smith’s run since 2013 makes for some sight. Here, look at him sprint past Richards. There, blink and you’ll miss him get past Hobbs, Sutcliffe and Sobers in one go. He is an incredible batsman at the very peak of his powers.