'The Best Test Player'- Virat Kohli Hails Steve Smith After Day 1 Exploits in WTC Final
Steve Smith is unbeaten on 95 [Source: AP]
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli heaped high praise upon Australian cricketer Steve Smith, hailing him as the best Test batter of this era. Kohli's admiration for Smith's exceptional consistency in the longest format of the game was evident as he expressed his views to the broadcasters.
Kohli stated that Smith is the most exceptional Test player of their generation. He emphasised the Australian's remarkable adaptability and highlighted that his records speak for themselves.
"According to me, Steve Smith is the best Test player of this generation. He has displayed that, his adaptability is absolutely brilliant. You take any cricketer of this generation,” said Kohli.
According to the Indian stalwart, with an astonishing average of 60 in approximately 85 to 90 Test matches, Smith's consistency and ability to make a significant impact with his runs sets him apart from any other Test player in the past decade. He credited the unorthodox batter's outstanding skill and temperament as factors for his exceptional performances.
"Everybody knows his record, in 85-90 Tests, he has an average of 60 which is quite unbelievable. The consistency and impact with which he scores runs, I haven't seen any Test player doing that in last 10 years. It is credit to his skill and temperament," added the 35-year-old.
The ongoing WTC Final at The Oval provided further evidence of Smith's skills and consistency, as he spearheaded Australia's revival on the first day of the contest. Forming a robust partnership with Travis Head, Smith steered the Australian innings away from trouble, amassing an impressive 95 runs off 227 deliveries by the end of the play.
Their unbeaten 251-run partnership left the Indian team in a state of disarray. At stumps, Australia's score stood at 327 for the loss of three wickets, with Smith poised to resume his innings on the following day.
The 34-year-old's remarkable performance at The Oval added another chapter to his stunning record at the venue. In four Test matches played at this ground, he has already scored an unbelievable 486 runs at a mind-boggling average of 121.5. Furthermore, he has already registered two centuries at The Oval and appears to be well on his way to achieving a third.
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