SL vs AUS | Twitter in awe as Lanka cheers nemesis supreme Smith upon attaining nervy 10,000-run milestone

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Legends of the game often transcend national boundaries to become global icons celebrated around the world. Steve Smith, as arguably this generation's greatest Test batter and one of the best to ever do it, holds a similar stature as was evident during the first Test in Galle on Wednesday.

A blistering start from Travis Head enroute to a quickfire half-century along with a more composed fifty from Usman Khawaja at the other end meant Australia got off to a formidable start in their two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. The visitors went into Lunch at 145/2 with Steve Smith and Khawaja at the crease, the former unbeaten on 65 and the latter having just faced five balls after Marnus Labuschagne departed shortly before the break. However, even a brief glimpse of the batting great was enough to uplift the atmopshere at Galle, especially due to the significance of his two runs so far in the match.

Smith, appointed stand-in skipper in the absence of Pat Cummins on paternity leave, walked out to bat with 9,999 Test runs to his name after having missed the elusive 10,000 Test run twice in his previous match at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia. On this occasion though, the veteran wasted no time as he skipped down the track against Prabath Jayasuriya and flicked the ball away to scamper a single. Even before Smith had made his ground, cheers started ringing around the stadium and crescendoed into a loud echo to celebrate just the 15th man in Test history to breach the elusive milestone, joining fellow Australians Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting on the list. Usually shy and not one to pay heed to records, Smith also realized the magnamity of the occasion and raised his bat to acknowledge the support while Prabath gave him a congratulatory pat on the back to add to the wholesomeness of the occasion.

Smith has scored two tons in six Tests in Lanka at an average exceeding 50, meaning the love he received from his rivals took Twitterati by awe.

Unstoppable

Steve "unstoppable" Smith - reached 10000 Test runs mark....

Fine Test Career with another milestone -2nd best Avg while reaching 10000 mark..

15th Overall & 4th Australian to achieve this feat.#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/smHsFmHjzG
— alekhaNikun (@nikun28) January 29, 2025

Greatness Redefined! 🔥

🚨 Steven Smith 🚨

10,000 Test runs take a bow, The greatest among the greats 🗿#Stevesmith #GOAT pic.twitter.com/3LIv1HTpQr
— Prem Chavan (@devilhydrapubg) January 29, 2025

10K Club!

🚨 Steven Smith Completed 10000 runs in Test Career.

The GOAT player forever.#StevenSmith #AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/Kt0K5hpQFT
— manzur shaban (@Manzurshaban123) January 29, 2025

History Maker! Take a Bow!

10,000 Test Runs for Steve Smith ❤️ 🐐

Player of the generation 💫❤️#AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/dzHYWDlMiE
— Tajamul (@Tajamul132) January 29, 2025

Australia aura hits hard!

Even in their own backyard, where they are so dominant, Sri Lanka looked under pressure—as if they had traveled to Australia instead. That’s what Australia does to you!

A missed review, some dropped chances—small moments (1/2)#AUSvsSL
— Cric Stories (@AnalysisBanter) January 29, 2025

Head’s on fire! 🔥

Travis Head’s on fire! Big congrats to Smith, what a milestone!
— zoon...🌙 (@TheRealZoon_) January 29, 2025

Head’s fiery start!

Travis Head scored 57 (40) with 10 fours and a six while opening for Australia. 🙇‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/R43JL6iJvX
— Faraz Khan (@FarazKhan130044) January 29, 2025

Unstoppable Force!

Travis Head Undoubtedly Best all format batter currently
— CWM (@Cricketwithme15) January 29, 2025

Travis Head🔥

Travis Head played well against SL in 1st Test.

Scored 57 in 40 balls and plays like T20 match. #TravisHead
— Sharik Siddiqui (@siddiquisharik1) January 29, 2025

Smith's 10K Masterclass!