Boxing Day Test: Steve Smith goes past Greg Chappell to become 10th highest run-getter for Australia

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test saw Steve Smith entertain a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground with his batting skills.

Smith went past the fifty-run mark for the first time in this Australia summer and also added another feather in his already illustrious cap. 

Smith surpassed Greg Chappell to become the tenth highest run-getter for Australia.

While Chappell has 7,110 runs to his credit in 87 Test matches, Smith went past the mark in his 72nd Test match. He is unbeaten on 77 at the end of the first day’s play. 

Former captain Ricky Ponting is the leading the list with a tally of 13,378 runs to his name. 

Ponting is followed by many greats that include Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Michael Clarke.

Smith had missed an entire year of international cricket after he was banned by Cricket Australia due to his role in the ball-tampering controversy.

He is currently ranked 2 in ICC Test rankings behind his Virat Kohli.

Smith helped Australia to 257 for 4 as he went to stumps. As for the Black Caps fans, they are rejoicing and enjoying their team’s first Boxing Day Test in 32 years.