Steve Smith at par with AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli: Watson
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Steve Smith's dream run in the Test series against India and subsequently in the World Cup, where he amassed 402 runs from seven matches, has prompted his Australian and Rajasthan Royals teammate Shane Watson to compare the 25-year-old batsman with South African skipper AB de Villiers and Indian sensation Virat Kohli. (Never Get Tired of Batting: Steven Smith )
Smith had smashed a record 769 runs from four Test matches against India earlier in the Australian summer, forcing the cricketing community to take note of him alongside some of the most competent young batsmen in the world. Watson, who has been in an out of the Australian teams in the last two years, feels Smith's purple patch could be ceaseless. (Indian Premier League's New Motto )
"I think he is on par with AB de Villiers at the moment and Virat Kohli when he is at his best. It is incredible to see him just continue to pile on the runs in every format. It looks like it's not going to end and let's hope it doesn't for quite a while," Watson told the iplt20.com. (Why Rahul Dravid Hid His face During Rajasthan Royals-Mumbai Indians Clash )
Smith's steady form throughout last year and a matured head encouraged the Australian National Selection Panel to name him captain when Michael Clarke sustained a hamstring injury after the first Test against India in Adelaide. Smith led from the front and won immediate praise from seasoned former captains and players. After a successful World Cup campaign, Smith could finally become Aussie skipper in all three international formats.
Smith has led the Rajasthan Royals in all three matches in Indian Premier League 2015. The Royals have won all these matches with Smith scoring 33, 10 and 79 not out. Watson, who has had to sit out with an injured hip, said he would love to pick up Smith's skills as a leader and batsman.
"Steve has got a great feel for the game and great intuition on the field. We talk a lot about different things, including the tactical side of things. He has great skills of the game with the bat and as captain too. There are many things I learn from him as well," Watson said.
Watson said he would miss the Royals' game against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Vizag on Thursday but sounded confident about getting back on the field for a tough contest against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.
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