Steve Smith: The Second-Greatest Player in Australian Cricket History

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has made a bold statement, placing Steve Smith as the second-greatest player in Australian cricket history, just behind the legendary Don Bradman. Smith is set to play his 100th Test match, and will be aiming for success in the upcoming third Ashes Test against England in Leeds.

Achieving a Century of Test Appearances

This milestone will make Smith the 14th Australian cricketer to achieve a century of Test appearances. He has an impressive record of 9113 runs in 99 Tests, at an outstanding average of 59.56 and a strike rate of 53.78. Smith has also notched up 32 centuries, including four double hundreds, along with 37 half-centuries.

Ponting’s Praise for Smith

During an interview with Nasser Hussain for the Daily Mail, Ricky Ponting acknowledged the exceptional abilities of Steve Smith and positioned him as the second-greatest batsman in Australian cricket history. He praised Smith’s achievements, and expressed his belief that Smith will continue to perform at a high level throughout his career.

Conclusion

Steve Smith is set to make history by becoming the 14th Australian cricketer to achieve a century of Test appearances. Ricky Ponting has praised Smith’s achievements and placed him second-greatest player in Australian cricket history, just behind Don Bradman. With an impressive record of 9113 runs in 99 Tests, Smith is sure to continue to perform at a high level throughout his career.