Legendary Australia skipper Ricky Ponting labelled Steve Smith as a “genius” after his double century during the second day’s play in the ongoing fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford.

Having missed the third Test at Headingley due to concussion, Smith scored 211 in Manchester to help Australia post 498/8 (declared) in the first innings. It was Smith’s third century in four innings of this Ashes series.

"You hear all sorts of words, 'genius' is one that comes to mind," Ponting told cricket.com.au.

"A remarkable innings again. It's his application to what he does. He just doesn't make any mistakes. His concentration levels are obviously unbelievably good," he added.

Regarded as one of the finest captains of all time, even Ponting is running out of ideas to get Smith out. But he does have an advice to share for the English bowlers.

"He's only been out nine times lbw in his last 99 innings, so you know if you're bowling straight you're not going to get him out. The one thing you have to do is try and challenge the outside of his bat. He doesn't miss it on the inside," he said.

Considering his prowess in the Ashes 2019 which saw him achieve the average of 64.65 after 121 innings, Smith is now being compared to legendary countryman Sir Don Bradman, who is widely deemed as the greatest Test batsman ever for his invincible Test average of 99.94.

"Even what Smithy is doing now is remarkable, to think how good Bradman must have been to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment is ridiculous," Ponting said.