‘Special day for an exceptional batsman’ - Tom Moody extols Steve Smith ahead of latter's 100th Test

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody has lavished massive praise on flamboyant batter Steven Smith ahead of his 100^th Test match slated to be played against England at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday, July 6.

Smith, who is gearing up for the crucial third Test at Headingley, will become the 75^th cricketer overall and the 15^th Australian to attain the monumental feat. Ahead of Smith's historic career milestone, Moody highlighted the challenges that come while playing the longest format and heaped praise on Smith for attaining the impressive milestone.

Special day for an exceptional batsman.
Steve Smith a modern day great who has his own unique style, which he's owned.
Batting at test level requires many skills, problem solving is right up there, he's done that better than most over the journey.#Ashes #SteveSmith 💯

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 6, 2023

“Special day for an exceptional batsman. Steve Smith a modern day great who has his own unique style, which he's owned. Batting at test level requires many skills, problem solving is right up there, he's done that better than most over the journey. #Ashes #SteveSmith,” Moody shared on his Twitter account.

Notably, Smith will don a special kit on the occasion of his 100^th Test against the Three Lions at Headingley. The flamboyant right-hander starred with the bat in the 2nd Test at Lord's, getting a century in the first innings. 

In the process, Smith tumbled multiple records as he became the fastest to hit 32 Test hundreds (174 innings), equalled Steve Waugh’s record of second-most centuries for Australia in Tests, and became the second quickest to reach the 9,000-run mark in Tests.

Australia look to gain unassailable lead 

Following dramatic wins in the first two red-ball clashes, the Aussies have taken a 2-0 lead and will be keen on extending it at Headingley. On the other hand, the English side put up a tough fight on both previous occasions but failed to cross the finish line.

While the Aussies are just one win away from attaining glory and retaining the Ashes, Ben Stokes and Co. will look for comprehensive wins to get back to level terms. A crucial Test awaits as England will be raring to win their first at home in the ongoing series.