Michael Vaughan lauds Steve Smith on crossing 10,000-run mark, compares with Don Bradman

Steve Smith broke the 10,000-run barrier on the opening day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, continuing his excellent form. He accomplished this, becoming the 15th batter in the game’s history to reach the desired milestone. In terms of innings played, he is the fifth-fastest to do it.

 Steve Smith was called the ‘greatest problem-solver’ by former English cricketer Michael Vaughan.

He went into additional detail about the various qualities that made Smith an exceptional batter before discussing how the former captain was likened to the legendary Donald Bradman.

He is, in my opinion, the greatest player in Test matches now. He is the greatest problem-solver, in my opinion. He seems to be able to remove the ball from the bowlers’ hands faster than most, despite his peculiar technique. His ability to research the field and determine what is on and what is not on a pitch on any given day is quite remarkable.

There aren’t many people who have come close to being as well-known as Don Bradman, based on his numbers. Vaughan said Fox Cricket, “You know you are pretty good when you are in a conversation where the Don is involved.”

This is what I think is very amazing about his career and how it began: Adam Gilchrist.

During the same conversation, Adam Gilchrist, a former Australian World Cup champion, shared his feelings about Smith’s dramatic change as a professional cricketer.

We were still looking for a Warnie (Shane Warne) replacement, and [there were] concerns about where he would be that option. I believe that part of what is so incredible is how it began and how he joined the team at 8 or 9 bowling leg-spin. That’s what I find so amazing about his career, the way it began,” Gilchrist continued, discussing the same subject.

The backup captain is currently batting at 71 with Usman Khawaja (126*), a century, following tea. Australia chose to bat first, and the spin assault from Sri Lanka never seemed to bother them. Thus far, they have been able to overpower the hosts by taking a proactive approach. After 68 overs, Australia is at 275/2.