STEVE SMITH (AUS)

Steve Smith started out as a leg-spinner and a potential replacement for Shane Warne in Tests. He made his Test debut in 2010 against Pakistan in England. However, he has gone on transforming himself as probably one of the greatest modern-day batsmen and surely the current greatest in Test cricket, as many concur.

Will fully support Steve Smith as captain, if he wants to do it again, says Tim Paine

The 30-year-old has scored 7227 runs in 73 Tests at an average of 62.84 with 26 centuries and 29 fifties to his name with the best score of 239. He made his return to Test cricket after a year ban in Ashes 2019 and scored four centuries in four Tests he played including a double-century as well. Smith’s unusual batting stance and gameplay have put many bowlers off their plans.

His masterful century on a rank turner in Pune against India in 2017 is rated highly by Test purists and other than that, many of his innings against rivals England make for pretty good viewing as well. He is definitely on his way to making more than 10,000 runs in the format.