India maestro Virat Kohli has revealed he is in awe of Steve Smith and believes the Australia star is the best Test batter of the current generation.
Smith continued his ongoing love affair with India when he brought up another century against Kohli’s side in the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval on Thursday, with the right-hander helping put Australia in a dominant position in the one-off clash.
It was Smith’s 31st Test century overall and ninth against India, and only the great Sachin Tendulkar (11) has scored more Test hundreds in matches between the two rivals.
While the debate continues to rage on who is the best batter in the world and will likely continue to be argued for many years to come, Kohli has no doubt it’s the Australian that stands out from the rest.
“When it comes to Test cricket, I don’t think anyone is close to him in this generation,” Kohli told the ICC.
“His adaptability, his ability to understand situations and play accordingly to the conditions in front of him is second to none.
“His record speaks for itself.
“To average almost 60 over a span of 85 or 90 games is unbelievable.
“He is the best Test player of our generation, there is no doubt about it.”
Kohli said much of India’s planning prior to the World Test Championship Final was on how to quell Smith, but putting those plans into practice was often a difficult task.
“We have always had a challenge coming up against him and trying to find ways to get him out,” Kohli added.
“Every opposition that plays against Australia is planning against him the most because of what he can do when he gets going.
“He’s a truly amazing player and truly the best when it comes to playing Test cricket and adapting to different situations.”
