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

Steve Smith continued his fine form as he went past the 10,000-run mark on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. In the process, he became the 15th batter in the history of the game to notch the coveted milestone. He is the fifth-quickest to do so as far as number of innings is concerned.

Former English cricketer, Michael Vaughan, labelled Smith as the 'best problem-solver'. He further elaborated on the several attributes which made Smith a great batter before touching upon the topic of the former skipper being compared to the great Donald Bradman.

“I would argue that he is the best modern-day Test match player. I think he is the best problem-solver. He has a quirky technique, but he just seems to be able to pick the ball out of the hand of the bowlers quicker than most. He has this amazing ability to study the field and work out what is on and what is not on any given day on a pitch.

"If you look at his numbers, there are only a small few who have got close to being talked about like Don Bradman. And when you are in a conversation where the Don is involved, you know you are pretty good,” shared Vaughan while speaking to Fox Cricket.

Also Read: Steve Smith becomes fifth fastest batter to 10,000 Test runs

That is what I find quite stunning about his career, how it started: Gilchrist

As part of the same discussion, former Australian World Cup winner, Adam Gilchrist, expressed how he felt looking back on the drastic transformation of Smith as a professional cricketer. 

“I think part of what is so amazing is how it started and how he got into the team at 8 or 9 bowling leg-spin, when we were still in the hunt for a replacement for Warnie (Shane Warne), and [there were questions as to] where he was going to be that option? That is what I find quite stunning about his career, how it started,” added Gilchrist while speaking on the same topic.

At the time of writing, the standby skipper is batting on 71 alongside centurion, Usman Khawaja (126*) after Tea. Electing to bat first, Australia never seemed to be flustered by Sri Lanka's spin attack. A proactive stance has allowed them to dominate the hosts up until now. Australia are 275/2 after 68 overs.