Former England skipper Michael Vaughan heaped praise on Steve Smith, hailing him as the best modern-day Test cricketer after the latter became only the fourth Australian batter to surpass 10,000 runs in the longest format of the game.
Smith achieved this feat on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. With this milestone, he joined the legendary Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting in an elite list.
Moreover, Smith became just the 15th batter in the world to reach this landmark, underscoring his dominance in Test cricket over the years.
“I would argue that he is the best modern-day Test match player. I think he is the best problem solver. He has a quirky technique, but he just seems to be able to pick the ball out of the bowler's hand quicker than most. He has this amazing ability to study the field and work out what is on and what is not on any given day on a pitch,” Vaughan told Fox Cricket.
“If you look at his numbers, there are only a small few who have got close to being talked about like Don Bradman. And when you are in a conversation when the Don is involved, you know you are pretty good,” he added.
Having made his Test debut in 2010 as a leg-spinner, Steve Smith has come a long way to be counted among the batting greats. He notched up 10,000 runs milestone in his 115th Test appearance.
Legendary Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist reflected on Smith's transformation. “I think part of what is so amazing is how it started and how he got into the team at No. 8 or 9, bowling leg spin, when we were still in the hunt for a replacement for Warnie (Shane Warne). There were questions about whether he was going to be that option. That is what I find quite stunning about his career—how it started,” Gilchrist told Fox Cricket.
Smith was unbeaten on 104* at the close of play in Galle. This was his 35th century in Test cricket, of which 12 came against England and 11 versus India, which underscores his greatness.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri was also effusive in praise of Smith's adaptability and resilience over the years.
“I've seen all these hundreds as a coach and as a broadcaster, and he's a special player. He's so passionate about the game. What amazes me is how he's prepared to adapt to different conditions. He got a hundred on a rank turner in India, which was special. And even when he's not at his best, he finds ways to get into positions to score runs,” Shastri said in an interview with Fox Cricket.
“When you're around for that length of time, there are teams analysing you, video analysts looking at every part of your technique. And then to still be able to be ahead of the curve—and he will average over 55—at the age of 35, to go past 10,000 runs is special. So I think he's a great player,” he further remarked.
(With IANS Inputs)