In a glowing tribute, former Indian captain Virat Kohli has hailed Australian cricketer Steve Smith as the preeminent Test batsman of the current era, emphasizing his remarkable consistency and “unbelievable” average in scoring runs. Kohli’s admiration for Smith holds great significance, considering his own stature as one of the batting stalwarts of the present generation.
Smith’s exceptional performance over the past decade in the Test format sets him apart from other batsmen, according to the 34-year-old Indian cricketer, who expressed his opinion ahead of the World Test Championship Final.
During the first day of the WTC Final, Australia made an imposing total of 327 for three, courtesy of exhilarating innings from Travis Head and Steve Smith. At the close of play on Day 1, Head had amassed 146 runs, while Smith trailed slightly behind with an impressive 95 runs. Australia gained a remarkable 157 runs in the final session of 34 overs without losing a wicket. The unbeaten partnership between Head and Smith for the fourth wicket reached a substantial 251 runs. In the post-lunch session, Australia, after being invited to bat, added 97 runs in 28 overs while losing only one wicket.
Kohli’s appreciation of Smith’s batting prowess is a testament to the Australian’s exceptional skills, as he is lauded as the “best” player of the modern era. The Indian cricket star, aged 34, further lauded Smith’s unparalleled consistency, stating, “According to me, Steve Smith is the best Test player of this generation. He has proven it time and again, displaying brilliant adaptability. If you consider any cricketer of this generation, everyone acknowledges his incredible record. In 85-90 Tests, he maintains an average of 60, which is truly extraordinary. The level of consistency and impact with which he scores runs is unmatched. I haven’t seen any Test player achieve that level of performance in the last 10 years. It is a testament to his skill and temperament,” Kohli remarked during an interview with Star Sports.
Prior to the WTC final, Steve Smith had accumulated a staggering 8,792 runs from 96 Test matches, boasting an impressive average of 59.80. His remarkable record includes 30 centuries and 37 half-centuries. In comparison, Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation across all formats, has amassed 8,416 runs from 108 Test matches, with an average of 48.93, complemented by 28 centuries and an equal number of half-centuries.
The recognition bestowed upon Steve Smith by Virat Kohli not only highlights Smith’s exceptional skills as a Test batsman but also emphasizes the mutual respect between two of cricket’s most esteemed players. As the World Test Championship Final unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing the brilliance of both these talented batsmen as they vie for supremacy on the grand stage of Test cricket.
