Smith is the best player I have ever seen: Paine
What's the story
Steve Smith has been on an excellent run in the ongoing Ashes 2019. The Australian batsman has enjoyed a dream run and leads the show in terms of runs and centuries. His valiant efforts in the fourth Test saw Aussies win by 185 runs and retain the urn. Skipper Tim Paine stated Smith is the best he has ever seen. Here's more.
Smith runs
Smith defied England with 211 and 82 at Old Trafford
Smith scored 211 and 82 in the Manchester Test and defined himself for the visitors. Both times he jailed Aussies out and gave them the shape. Smith has a whopping 671 runs in Ashes 2019 that includes five successive fifty-plus scores. He became the first batsman to score 500+ runs in three successive Ashes series. The star batsman also has 26 career Test tons.
Difference
Smith has made a huge difference for Australia
Notably, Smith has accumulated the runs in just five innings. He missed Day 5 of the second Test at Lord's after being concussed from a Jofra Archer bouncer that hit his neck. He then missed the third Ashes Test at Headingley. Smith has had a major impact on Australia's performance in the series. And there is a reason why he is the best.
Quote
Smith knows the game so well: Paine
"Steve is the best player I have ever seen. He showed that again in this Test match. He knows the game so well and reads it so well," said Paine to Sky Sports.
Langer
He's a great problem-solver, says Langer on Smith
Smith, who recently overcame Virat Kohli as the best Test batsman in the world, was praised by head coach Justin Langer. "I thought Virat Kohli was the best batsman I've ever seen because of the way he plays in all forms, but Steve Smith... That's another level," said Langer. "He's a great problem-solver. His hunger for the game, I've never seen anything like it."
Records
Smith and records have a strong chemistry
Smith now has 2,697 career Ashes runs. He is eighth on the list for most runs amassed. Smith has 11 Ashes tons and eight fifties to his name at 65.78. The right-handed batsman also registered his ninth successive fifty-plus score in Ashes. Smith is the second quickest to 26 career Test hundreds (121). He achieved his 11th Ashes hundred in his 45th inning.
Personal
Smith will look to guide Australia at the Oval
With the form he is in, Smith will look to get going at the Oval and help Aussies win the series by a 3-1 margin. He looks in complete control at the moment and England bowlers have been short of answers to his mastery.