Australia's star batsman Steve Smith opened up about comparison to Virat Kohli, saying he admires the India captain a lot for what he has done to cricket.
Steve Smith vs Virat kohli has been one of the most-talked-about subjects during social media interactions between players and experts during the lockdown due to Covid-19. However, the Australia batsman stayed away from giving a verdict but heaped rich praise on Kohli.
Smith said Kohli's 'phenomenal' ability to gun down targets in white-ball cricket and his calmness under pressure during such run-chases are something that he admires a lot about the India captain.
"Look, I admire Virat a lot. He is an amazing player. You look at his record now, simply incredible. He's done so much for India in cricket. They way they play their game now, the sheer passion he has got for Indian cricket," Steve Smith said during his interaction on Sony Ten Pit Stop.
"His willingness to improve and get better. You can see his body has sort of transformed over time. He is so fit and strong now and powerful. He is pretty amazing for cricket.
"The one thing I admire the most about him is the white-ball, the way he chases. You look at his average in winning chases in ODIs is simply phenomenal. So good under pressure, calm and just gets the job done more often than not. You have got to admire someone like that."
Steve Smith on getting Virat Kohli out with his leg-spin
Steve Smith, who began his career as a leg-spinner before going on to become the batsman that he is, said he doesn't prefer bowling a lot these days in international cricket. However, he has a dream wicket.
"I don't like bowling that much. Every now and then, it's fine. If I am bowling in a game, that means we're in trouble. So hopefully, it doesn't happen too often.
"You always like to get the best out, why not Virat?" Smith said.
Smith expects 'terrific' series between India and Australia
Sharing his thoughts on the much-anticipated India's tour of Australia, scheduled to begin later this year, Smith said India are a well-rounded team and fans can expect a 'terrific series' this summer.
Smith said Australia have a slight advantage, considering they have played more day-night Tests than India but added that Virat Kohli's men will be able to adapt to different conditions quite easily.
India are scheduled to play the 1st Test at The Gabba from December 3 while the 2nd Test in Adelaide is going to be a day-night affair. The 3rd and 4th Tests will be played in Melbourne and Sydney.
"Plenty of challenges. India is an incredible team. Their batting line-up is so strong. Virat, Pujara, at here last time was pretty much unmovable. Rahane, quality Test player. They have got KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, quality batters everywhere. Great bowling line-up with a class bowling line-up as well in Australian conditions. They have Shami and Bumrah, Ishant Sharma. He has been here plenty of times, knows the conditions.
"Very well-rounded team and it's going to be a terrific series this summer.
"Tough to say [Australia have the advantage], our record at the Gabba has been good. It's a bit of a fortress. I guess we wanted to play our first Test there for a long time but I am not sure.
"India played pretty well in the day-night game they played at Kolkata. So it's a different game. But they have certainly got the batters to stand up to things when things get tough.
"Their bowlers, they stand their seam up and their quality is.... we have played a few more games (day-night) than India. That might be a slight advantage but they are also world-class players. They are also adapting to anything," Smith said.