[Watch] "What do I need mate? 50 odd?" - Steve Smith's query on impending milestone on Day 2 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australia batter Steve Smith was asked about his major 10,000 Test runs landmark, which is on the horizon, during an interaction with Ricky Ponting after the culmination of the first session of Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The right-handed batter has leaped towards the major milestone with two consecutive hundreds and got within touching distance.

Smith converted his overnight score to a record 11th ton against India, and the 34th of his career. The batter was unfortunately dismissed for 140 soon after the Lunch break and remains stranded on 9949 runs. He needs 51 more runs to get to the elusive five-figure mark and become the fourth batter from Australia to achieve the feat after Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.

Ponting had brought up the prospect of the 10,000 run mark after the first session, asking Smith whether chasing it down in the first innings is a realistic proposition or not.

"It's been good, had to work hard sort of early yesterday, off the back of some really good work by some of the guys. Kind of got into my work quickly actually, probably not quite right, but it was a nice partnership with Cummins, played with real nice intent," Smith said on the sidelines (via 7Cricket)

"It's been good fun, the wicket has probably done less than most of the other wickets. So, if you get yourself in, you can cash in. What do I need mate? 50-odd something there? We'll see where we go. I don't know," he added

Steve Smith began the series with a golden duck but has gradually found his mojo. He is now making the most of his grind on better batting surfaces, and his return to form is a huge concern for the visitors.

Steve Smith dismissed in a freak fashion for 140 in the second session

The ace batter's hopes of reaching 10,000 runs in the first innings came to an abrupt end following a freak dismissal of Akash Deep's bowling. He tried to go for a huge heave while stepping down the track and making room for himself.

He got an inside edge, which hit his body, and unfortunately spun its way onto the stumps, and dislodging the bails. As of writing, Australia are placed at 455-9 after 115 overs in the second session of Day 2.