'I think he’s a great player' - Ravi Shastri reserves special praise for Steve Smith

Steve Smith and Australia continued their dominance in the longest format of the game during the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka. Day 1 in Galle saw Smith become the 15th batter in the history of Test cricket to get past the 10,000-run landmark. He achieved the esteemed feat in his 205th Test innings, making him the fifth-quickest to do so.

Former Indian cricketer, Ravi Shastri, was effusive in praise for the former Australian skipper, who later went on to score his 35th Test ton. The erstwhile Indian captain praised Smith's longevity and versatility, pointing out that these traits make him the player that he is today.

“I’ve seen all these hundreds as a coach and as a broadcaster and he’s a special player. He’s so passionate about the game. What amazes me is how he’s prepared to adapt to different conditions. He got a hundred on a rank turner in India, which was special. And even when he’s not at his best, he finds ways to get into positions to score runs.

"When you’re around for that length of time, there are teams analysing you, there are video analysts looking at every part of your technique. And then to still be able to be ahead of the curve — and he will average over 55 — at the age of 35, to go past 10,000 runs is special. So, I think he’s a great player,” shared Shastri while speaking to Fox Cricket.

Speaking of the game, Australia ended up with 330/2 on the board, courtesy of centuries from Smith (104*) and Usman Khawaja (147*). The two batters scored 10 fours and a maximum each in their respective knocks, ending the day with a third-wicket stand of 195 off 307 deliveries.

Also Read: Michael Vaughan lauds Steve Smith for crossing 10,000-run mark, compares him with Don Bradman

Earlier in the day, the visitors won the toss and opted to bat first. It was thanks to the opening duo of Khawaja and Travis Head that ensured their side got off to a rapid start. Head was dismissed for a quickfire 40-ball 57. Interestingly, he scored the same number of fours and sixes, respectively, as Khawaja and Smith ended the day with.