Steve Smith continued his rise up the run-scoring chart as he entered the top 10 of the Test batsmen among Australians on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Melbourne on Thursday.
After overhauling Sir Don Bradman’s tally in the second Test against Pakistan earlier in the summer, this time Smith overtook Greg Chappell and the latter feels there is much more to come from the unorthodox right-hander.
“I would think he’ll be in his peak for another three of four years,” the former captain told cricket.com.au. “He’s the outstanding player of his era, he’s playing exceedingly well and he’s built up a record which is comparable with the very best.
“The indications are he’s going to finish his career in the very top bracket of batsmen through the history of the game.”
Smith’s unique technique and stubbornness at the crease have stood out as he has taken his game to another level in 2019 and Chappell believes it comes down to the mental strength.
“His mind sets him apart,” Chappell says. “His ability to focus. His ability to work out bowlers and make runs in any conditions against any attack.
“He picks up the cues and clues better than anyone else. He’s a better decision-maker than most, he’s got a hunger that comes from somewhere and has always been there, and he’s developed his game through his Test career according to his experiences.”
Australia's leading run-scorers in Tests
| Player | Mat | Runs | HS | Ave | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting | 168 | 13378 | 257 | 51.85 | 41 |
| Allan Border | 156 | 11174 | 205 | 50.56 | 27 |
| Steve Waugh | 168 | 10927 | 200 | 51.06 | 32 |
| Michael Clarke | 115 | 8643 | 329* | 49.10 | 28 |
| Matthew Hayden | 103 | 8625 | 380 | 50.73 | 30 |
| Mark Waugh | 128 | 8029 | 153* | 41.81 | 20 |
| Justin Langer | 105 | 7696 | 250 | 45.27 | 23 |
| Mark Taylor | 104 | 7525 | 334* | 43.49 | 19 |
| David Boon | 107 | 7422 | 200 | 43.65 | 21 |
| Steve Smith | 72 | 7149 | 239 | 63.83 | 26 |
| Greg Chappell | 87 | 7110 | 247* | 53.86 | 24 |
| David Warner | 83 | 7050 | 335* | 48.28 | 23 |
In the Black Caps’ first Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 1987, skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl, and it looked to be a good decision with Joe Burns out first ball and David Warner just before lunch.
But first Marnus Labuschagne, the world’s leading run-scorer for 2019, and then Smith smacked half centuries to seize back control and leave them on 257/4, frustrating the disciplined New Zealand bowlers.
Along with the fidgety Smith, Travis Head was not out 25, desperate for runs after a lean spell. Labuschagne made 63 with Colin de Grandhomme taking 2-48.