Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has placed Steve Smith as the second-best Australian batsman in history, with only the legendary Don Bradman ranking ahead of him. Ponting praised Smith’s ability to solve cricketing problems quicker than most, leaving no doubt as to why he deserves such high acclaim.
Smith, a dominant force in the longest format of the game, stands unrivaled among his contemporaries. His exceptional batting skills have often drawn comparisons to the incomparable Sir Don Bradman himself, a testament to his remarkable talent and impact on Test cricket.
Since bursting onto the scene, Smith has been the backbone of the Australian Test team. He has played several sensational innings, rescuing his side from challenging situations time and again. His pivotal role in Australia’s triumph as the ICC World Test Champions solidifies his status as one of the game’s premier batsmen.
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With 97 Test matches under his belt, Smith has amassed nearly 9,000 runs at an extraordinary average of 60.05. His remarkable consistency is evident in the 31 centuries he has scored, a feat that places him among the greatest to have ever played for Australia.
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Expressing his confidence in Smith’s abilities, Ponting proclaimed that he unequivocally ranks him as the second-best Australian batsman, trailing only the unparalleled Bradman. Speaking with Sky Sports, Ponting remarked on Smith’s exceptional strike rate and the longevity of his outstanding average, asserting that Smith’s journey is far from over.
Ponting further acknowledged that Smith’s problem-solving abilities surpass his own, admiring his quick thinking on the field. Reflecting on his own career, Ponting noted a fear of change that sometimes held him back, in stark contrast to Smith’s fearless approach.
As the much-anticipated Ashes 2023 approaches, Steve Smith remains an integral part of the Australian squad. With an average of around 60 against England in Tests, he poses a formidable threat to the team led by Ben Stokes, further solidifying his status as one of the most feared batsmen in the game today.