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

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

Greatness Redefined! 🔥

10K Club!

History Maker! Take a Bow!

Australia aura hits hard!

Head’s on fire! 🔥 

Head’s fiery start!

Unstoppable Force!

Travis Head🔥

Smith's 10K Masterclass!