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Australian batting maestro Steve Smith etched his name into the record books once again, this time at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, during Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa. In a game that started with high intensity and early wickets, Smith stood tall, not just steadying the innings but also scripting history with his bat.
Smith Becomes Highest-Scoring Visiting Batter at Lord’s
Smith reached a composed half-century in the afternoon session, notching up his 51st run with a signature punch through the covers. That run took his overall tally at Lord’s to 578, making him the highest run-scorer among overseas batters at the venue.
In the process, he leapfrogged some of the greatest names in Test cricket history:
Warren Bardsley (575)
Sir Garfield Sobers (571)
Sir Donald Bradman (551)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (512)
Dilip Vengsarkar (508)
Allan Border (503)
Stabilising After a Shaky Start
Australia were in deep trouble early on, reduced to 67 for 4 by lunch, courtesy of relentless seam bowling under overcast London skies. Smith’s partnership-building and calm presence at the crease were instrumental in Australia’s recovery.
His half-century came off 76 balls, laced with nine crisp boundaries. Smith’s latest knock marked his fifth 50-plus score at Lord’s, equalling Chanderpaul for the most by a visiting batter. His previous best at the ground remains an iconic 215 in the 2015 Ashes.
A Gritty Knock Ends at 66
Smith’s resolute innings eventually ended on 66, falling to a sharply turning delivery from Aiden Markram. Marco Jansen grabbed a juggling catch at slip to break the partnership, providing South Africa with a crucial breakthrough just as the Aussies began rebuilding.
Australia’s Position at Stumps
As the final session unfolded, Australia have been bowled out for 212 with Kagiso Rabada taking 5 wickets.
