Former Australian skipper Steve Smith has been displaced by Virat Kohli at the top spot in the latest ICC Test rankings after he scored a ton in the first Test at Edgbaston against England. Although India lost the Test match, Kohli strengthened his position at the top. 

Smith had been on the top of the ICC Test rankings for 32 months but has not played international cricket for Australia since March after Cricket Australia banned him for ball tampering controversy against South Africa. 

“Knowing Steve over the last few years - and actually even longer around the New South Wales set-up as well - he’s a tireless worker,” Starc told Omnisport.

“He hits more balls than anyone, he just loves the game of cricket. I’ve no doubt that he and the other two can be back to the top of their games and scoring hundreds and dominating bowling attacks around the world again.”

Smith and Warner in the Global T20 Canada and Bancroft at club-cricket level in Australia – and Starc is pleased to see the trio back.

“It was a tough few weeks - seeing all three of the guys, you wouldn’t wish uponanyone,”he added.

“They’re back in cricket now, which is great to see all three of them playing cricket.

“Cam’s in Darwin and Dave and Steve have been playing in Canada. It’s great to see the three guys back in cricket, a game they love.

“Come end of March next year they can come back into Australian cricket and get back on with their careers and keep dominating the way they have.”

Starc on his end is trying to get fit for the Pakistan series after missing the IPL and the Test series against South Africa due to a stress fracture in his leg which he survived before the IPL.  

“If all’s going well and stays on track as it is I’ll be available for selection for that tour,” Starc said. 

(Inputs from Hindustan Times)