Steve Smith Vs Ricky Ponting: Statistical Comparison Of Two Test Greats From Australia

Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting (Source: ICC/X)

If you are familiar with Game of Thrones, you probably know how Peter Dinklage, aka Tyrion Lannister, became the centre of all characters during the climax of the web series. With his wit and wisdom, Dinklage consistently gained much popularity worldwide throughout the all eight seasons. Among them, one particular line stood out from the rest: “There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story,” delivered when he had everyone’s attention in the end.

This statement holds true even in cricket, isn’t it? A good story, which can be called a distinguished career in cricketing terms, ensures a player is often discussed whenever something remarkable happens anywhere in the sport. 

Having kept the world at their feet with sheer consistency and impeccable aura, Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting are two such individuals from Australia. Even though their styles of play are quite different, and they are two giants of two different eras, fans often get involved in discussions to determine who is superior. Believe it or not, these conversations actually mirror the Sachin Tendulkar versus Virat Kohli argument.

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Out of the three international formats, Tests challenge players on various levels, including temperament, technique, and persistence. Therefore, before reaching any conclusions about this debate, it’s important to compare their performance in the most demanding situations. And here, we won’t have any exceptions in this context either.

Steve Smith Vs Ricky Ponting Test Stats (Overall)

Despite his unconventional batting techniques and unorthodox batting stance, Smith established himself as an unmoved pillar for Australia in whites amidst infamous controversies. However, he has been having a rough patch for a while, as his Test averages in 2024 (23.20 after 13 innings) and 2023 (42.22 after 24 innings) are nowhere near his usual lofty standards.

On the other hand, Ponting had a Test average of 51.85 after 287 innings, which spoke volumes. While the debate about whether modern-day bowlers are of higher quality compared to those in the past can be complicated, the widely accepted fact is that the dynamics of cricket have changed significantly over the years. This includes the approach that batters take in Test matches. Ponting, like many other all-time greats in the past, did not have the same advantages that players in today’s era perhaps experience.

Steve Smith Vs Ricky Ponting Test Stats (In Asia)

Again, you might feel this is a tricky filter to compare. Even though pitch conditions in India are pretty much the same as they used to be, the case is not the same in Pakistan. However, given that Ponting had played only one game in Pakistan and made 119 runs across both innings, it won’t be unfair to him to keep their numbers in brackets side-by-side.

Smith is definitely winning this battle here in Asia, where a batter’s long-lasting battle often gets recognised. However, if his form stays as it has been for a longer period, you might change your mind.

Steve Smith Vs Ricky Ponting Test Stats (In South Africa)

South Africa is widely regarded as one of the toughest places to bat in Test cricket, and the numbers, especially for the great players, do matter. Ricky Ponting has a slight advantage in performance there in the red-ball format, though Smith is not too far behind. However, given Smith's recent trajectory, Ponting may still be considered the favorite in this comparison unless the former manages a remarkable turnaround.

A Similar Graph During The Final Stages

Retiring at the peak of one’s career is not everyone's cup of tea. Only a few legends of the game have successfully left the game on a high note. Unfortunately, Ponting was not one of them, and it seems that Smith is heading in a similar direction.

Conclusion

Two freaks of Test cricket, both Smith and Ponting have graced the game like no Australian batters ever could. Smith had the potential to be considered THE greatest if his form hadn't declined. However, there is still a chance for him to turn things around, and the upcoming Test at the Gabba against India could mark the beginning of his comeback. 

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that Smith, 36 now, will play as many Tests as Ponting did with his sheer class and utmost dominance before calling it a day. Hence, it is safe to say that Ponting is, and will forever be remembered as a better Test batsman than Steve Smith, particularly due to his supreme longevity.

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