Steve Smith

[BillyStubbsTears]

Absolute machine.

He's now third on the list of number of centuries in Ashes tests, behind Jack Hobbs and Don Bradman.

Best player since Bradman?

[BillyStubbsTears]

Difficult to grasp just how much better than anyone else Bradman was. Top graph here shows all the Test batting averages - how many players got a specific average.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batting_average_(cricket)#/media/File%3ACricketBattingAverageHistogram.png

Look where Bradman is!

I think that graph is a year or two out of date. Smith's average is 63 which puts him clear second after Bradman.

[GazLaz]

The stats say so.

[Monkcaster_Rover]

Absolute gift by Jack Leach.

[scawsby steve]

Only Harold Larwood could ever bother Bradman; and he had to do it by bowling at his head during the notorious "body-line" series.

Personally, I thought I'd never see a batsman better than the Waugh brothers, but this kid Smith; wow.

[glosterred]

The only way it seems we’re going to get him out is if we knee cap him! He’s a bloody limpet

[Filo]

Currently 173 not out but he’s been lucky, dropped, out to a no ball, and numerous times the ball as fallen just short of a fielder

[Prez]

Dont understand how one of the greatest batsmen have all time, have to cheat.

His brilliant career will always be tarnished.

[IDM]

He didn’t cheat whilst batting though.?

Still, it’s a fair point..

[Ldr]

He didn't though did he, he lied to cover for those who did

[Prez]

Still cheating for me. He knew what was going on.

[Filo]

Still cheating for me. He knew what was going on.

Yes he did, and the front line bowlers must have known as well

[Geoff Blakesley]

And the coach !

[Colemans Left Hook]

Currently 173 not out but he’s been lucky, dropped, out to a no ball, and numerous times the ball as fallen just short of a fielder

shhhhh don't tell em the truth  how very very lucky he was TODAY (not yesterday)even got a "Lazarus" (back from the dead decision) - apparently when a spinner bowls a slower ball they can sometimes ball a no-ball -which makes sense but that's a technicality.

we have a "jumping on the bandwagon" thread here posted for the sake of posting  "on the surface" to a casual viewer  and in the record books  it's a great knock

mind you the same applies to England's t20 win and the previous match  in the record books great wins but both very very lucky

do some research my boy

[Draytonian III]

20 odd years ago Mike Atherton had soil in his pocket to dry the ball !!!!!! I’ve played cricket for over 40 years and that’s the only time it’s been called drying the ball . There’s loads of ways to alter the ball. Freddie Trueman used to run his fingers through his hair after every ball, John Lever in the 70’s had Vaseline above his eyebrows on a tour to India to keep the sweat out his eyes. In club cricket there’s a lot more gone off, umpires having the ball after a wicket or a drinks break is a good thing.

[i_ateallthepies]

I keep hearing the commentators saying he's a great cricketer.  Great cricketer to me implies great in all respects of his role as a cricketer... NO! Great batsman unquestionably, but as said above his reputation will forever be tarnished by what HE did.  He will always be known for being a cheat and a for not having the decency to condemn what was done.  He was the captain and wholly culpable.

[DRFCSouth]

Another schooling of England by Smith yesterday. Seems to be capable of only giving his wicket away when he sees fit. And some completely unorthodox shots.