Steve Smith & Sachin Tendulkar – A Detailed Comparison After 205 Test Innings

As of February 2025, both Steve Smith and Sachin Tendulkar have achieved legendary status in Test cricket. Their records after 205 innings show striking similarities, highlighting their remarkable consistency, adaptability, and hunger for runs. Let’s take a detailed look at their performances and contributions to the game.

Steve Smith – Australia’s Modern-Day Test Maestro

Overview

Steve Smith has been the backbone of Australia’s Test batting lineup for over a decade. His unorthodox technique, mental toughness, and ability to score runs in any condition have made him one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time.

Career Stats After 205 Innings

• Matches Played: 115
• Innings: 205
• Runs Scored: 10,140
• Batting Average: 56.33
• Strike Rate: 53.58
• Centuries: 35
• Half-Centuries: 41
• Highest Score: 239

Key Achievements

✔ Fastest Australian to 10,000 Test Runs – Smith achieved 10,000 runs in just 205 innings, placing him among the fastest batters in history to reach this milestone.
✔ Incredible Consistency – Smith has scored a century every 5.86 innings, making him one of the most reliable Test batsmen.
✔ Match-Winning Knock Specialist – His performances in Ashes series, home Tests, and away tours have been crucial in Australia’s dominance in world cricket.

Strengths

✔ Exceptional Hand-Eye Coordination – Despite his unique technique, Smith’s ability to judge the length early allows him to dominate both spin and pace.
✔ Mental Resilience – He thrives under pressure, often rescuing Australia from difficult situations.
✔ Unmatched Concentration Levels – Smith’s long innings, combined with his ability to frustrate bowlers, make him an asset in Test cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar – The Little Master & Global Cricket Icon

Overview

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, set multiple records during his illustrious career. His flawless technique, elegant stroke play, and unmatched longevity in the game made him a global cricketing icon.

Career Stats After 205 Innings

• Matches Played: 120 (approx.)
• Innings: 205
• Runs Scored: 10,360
• Batting Average: 56.30
• Strike Rate: 54.07
• Centuries: 35
• Half-Centuries: 43
• Highest Score: 248 (not out)*

Key Achievements

✔ One of the Fastest to 10,000 Test Runs – Tendulkar reached the milestone in just 205 innings, maintaining a near-identical average to Smith.
✔ Highest Score (248)* – Tendulkar’s highest Test score came against Bangladesh, where he played a flawless double century.
✔ Master in All Conditions – Whether in bouncy Australian pitches, turning Indian tracks, or seaming English conditions, Tendulkar consistently scored runs worldwide.

Strengths

✔ Perfect Technique – Tendulkar’s textbook batting style made him one of the most aesthetically pleasing batsmen in history.
✔ Versatility – He played equally well against pace and spin, adapting to different match situations.
✔ Longevity – Unlike most cricketers, Tendulkar maintained his form for over two decades, breaking numerous records along the way.

Final Thoughts

Both Steve Smith and Sachin Tendulkar are among the finest Test batsmen the world has ever seen. Their numbers after 205 innings reflect their brilliance, but their playing styles and legacies are different:

✔ Tendulkar’s greatness lies in his longevity, adaptability, and technique, making him the most complete batter in cricket history.
✔ Smith’s dominance is based on mental toughness, consistency, and unorthodox yet effective stroke play, placing him among the modern greats.

While Tendulkar continued to play for several more years, setting all-time records, Smith still has time to surpass many milestones. Regardless of statistics, both players have inspired generations of cricket lovers with their remarkable skills, performances, and contributions to the sport.