Ricky Ponting has a formula for Steve Smith to become the greatest ever

Australian captain Steve Smith might have a young team in his hands but managed to beat the No.1 team in their own backyard overpowering them in their own game. He is growing strength from strength as a batsman as well as skipper. Smith currently is at the top of the Test batsmen’s rankings and has 933 rating points to his name the sixth highest ever. His hundred in the second inning of the Pune Test made a world of difference since India in their second inning couldn’t match his 109 and were bowled out for 107.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting who was among those who saw a leader in Smith in his early days feels if the 27-year-old who has played 51 Test manages to maintain this form for the next 50 Test he will be second only to Sir Donald Bradman. “If Smithy keeps maintaining what he’s doing now for another 100 Tests then he probably will end up being a better player than me,” Ponting told News Ltd. “He’s not doing much wrong at the moment, is he?

In his view, it is important to sustain the test of time and if he manages to do that there is nothing that can stop Smith. “I know he’s got great passion and got great drive to be the best player he can be and probably the best player the world has ever seen, which is a great attitude to have. I wanted to be the best player in the world as well and I wanted to be able to sustain it for a long period of time.

“And that’s what really separates the great players; how long you can actually sustain a high level of excellence.”

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The Australian team was at an all-time low after their whitewash in Sri Lanka and series defeat at the hands of South Africa at home. The selectors made a few bold decisions and brought in the likes of Peter Handscomb, Matt Renshaw in the batting unit. Since then Smith has made sure that he leads the team from the front.

“Since these changes have been made and a few younger faces have come into the side, it does seem … that Smith has said, ‘Right, it’s time to stamp my authority on this team’ and take over and lead from the front and hopefully get some results along the way.” Ponting said.

“The response they showed to win the Test match in Adelaide against South Africa was exactly what Australian cricket needed at the time. From that moment on, things have seemed to go pretty well.” He concluded.