Michael Vaughan drops a colossal verdict on Steve Smith's comparison with Sir Don Bradman

Former England captain Michael Vaughan heaped praise on star batter Steve Smith during the first Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka. Michael Vaughan described Steve Smith as the best modern-day Test batsman, and his success places him in discussions comparable to the legendary Don Bradman.

Smith reached the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket during Australia’s first innings against Sri Lanka in the ongoing first Test match at Galle on Wednesday. He had to wait for more than a month, following his near miss in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, where Australia secured a 3-1 win.

He Is the Best Modern-Day Test Match Player - Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan said that Steve Smith is a master problem solver with a unique technique that allows him to read the game quickly. He said Smith has the ability to analyze the field and adjust his approach based on the conditions.

“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,” Vaughan told Fox Cricket.

"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 when the Don is involved, you know you are pretty good," he added.

Steve Smith Becomes Fourth Australian Cricketer to Reach 10,000 Test Runs

The 35-year-old became the fourth Australian cricketer, after Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting, to achieve this milestone in Tests. He also became the 15th player in the world to reach this achievement. His consistency and ability to overcome challenges solidify his place in this esteemed group.

Steve Smith achieved the milestone in his 115th Test match. The Australian batter made his debut in 2010 against Pakistan at Lord's, where he picked up three wickets but scored only 13 runs. Since then, the right-handed batter has scored a total of 35 Test centuries, with his latest coming in the ongoing match.

What's Amazing Is How It All Started - Adam Gilchrist

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist highlighted how Steve Smith's journey started as a leg-spinner before becoming one of the modern-day greats. Gilchrist said that Smith entered the team as a bowler when Australia was searching for a replacement for Shane Warne.

“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, 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,” Gilchrist told Fox Cricket.

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