It was the second day of the second test of Australia vs Pakistan and the latter team constantly suffered due to the relentless batting of Australian test top-order. The runs piled up during the first day as Warner and Labuschagne hammered Pakistani bowlers with the second-highest partnership in Australian test cricket. 

Source: DNA India

But unfortunately, the brilliant partnership came to an end as Shaheen Afridi twisted the ball in Pakistan’s favour and got Labuschagne after a fearless inning of 162.
All eyes were on Steve Smith as he entered the ground amidst the double century celebration of Warner. Playing cautiously with only one boundary in the initial overs, he even gave a maiden over to Yasir Shah.

Source: NDTVmedia

However, the crowd erupted in cheers as soon as he took a single off of Muhammad Musa’s delivery, making Smith the fastest batsman to reach 7000 runs in Test Cricket. The record was previously held by the English legend, Wally Hammond who achieved the milestone in 1946 with 131 innings.

Smith also surpassed Donald Bradman and now possesses the record for 11th highest runs in test cricket. With Bradmond finishing the 6996 runs mark in 52 matches, Smith managed to pave his way to the title after 70 Tests.
The stadium was ecstatic as the fans cheered loudly for their hero who achieved both these milestones on home ground. He reached the mark in just 126 innings and has been labelled a legend since the Ashes 2019 where he piled up 774 runs against England in just seven innings. Cricket Australia celebrated the superstar with a tweet saying:

The fastest to 7K- you’re a star, Steve Smith!

The 30-year-old batsman has truly proved his worth since the Ashes and is being termed as the greatest test-cricketer since Bradman. He could have easily broken the record in the first test against Pakistan in Brisbane but was dismissed for just four runs. A disappointed Smith stated in the post-match press conference,
“I always punish myself when I get no runs, just like I reward myself when I score runs with a chocolate bar at the end of the night if I get a hundred”.

Source: 7NEWS

With just 30 years of age, the talent that Smith has displayed on the field is remarkable. He still has a long way to go and is equipped with the potential to break multiple records with his next target being Greg Chapell, who holds the record for the 10th highest runs (7110).
Smith previously faced suspension due to ball-tampering case, but his comeback has been labelled as one of the greatest in cricket history.