This Is Why Virat Kohli Has Scored So Many ODI Tons: Reveals Steve Smith

Steve Smith and Virat Kohli‘s century tally in Test cricket is quite close. With 20 centuries, the Australian skipper leads his Indian counterpart by 3 centuries. However, when it comes to One-Day Internationals, Smith is far behind Kohli. In fact, Kohli has created a huge gap between him and his contemporaries in the 50-over format. With a staggering 30 centuries in only 194 matches, Kohli is second in the list of most centuries in ODIs.

Smith, on the other hand, is way behind Kohli and has managed to score just 8 in the 98 matches he has played so far. With Smith and Kohli along with Kane Williamson and Joe Root consistently being compared, the gulf in the number of ODI series has been eye-popping. However, Smith feels Kohli has managed to leap well ahead of his contemporaries only because India players a lot more ODI cricket.

“I think India play a lot more ODI cricket than we do. I’m not sure how many games Virat has played. He is a very good player,” Smith said when asked about the ratio ahead of the five-match series.

At the same time, Smith insisted personal milestones do not bother him.

“I am not worried about personal accolades. I am here to try and win a series. The Indian team has a very good top seven and all guys are capable of scoring big runs. Our bowlers have to be on the top of their game to keep them quiet this series,” the 28-year-old added.

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On the significance of the series leading up to the World Cup in England in 2019, Smith said, “We have about 30 ODI games before the World Cup. For us it is about trying to find the right group of players to fill all slots.
“Conditions are obviously slightly different to what they will be in England. But I think it is a good opportunity to put their names up there and hopefully win some games for Australia.

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