I know it's probably been discussed before, but...
1. Highest batting average after Bradman
2. Just scored his 29th hundred - only Ponting (42), Waugh (32) and Hayden (30) are ahead of him
3. 6th on the All Time runs scored for Australia -- behind Ponting, Border, Waugh, Clarke and Hayden
4. Not just a home-track bully either... his away record is almost as good as his home record
The only quality that puts him behind Ponting, Border and Waugh is longevity. Those guys played more than 150 Tests, and their respective records dipped away somewhat by the end. But compared to, say, Chappell or Harvey who are both regularly regarded as "greats", Smith has them covered.
Does he make the All Time Australia XI?
Take your pick of openers. Then, assuming Bradman would make 3 and Miller is 6... IMHO, Ponting is probably 4. That leaves Border, Waugh, Chappell, Harvey and Smith battling for the last middle order spot.
Does Smith make it?
1. Highest batting average after Bradman
2. Just scored his 29th hundred - only Ponting (42), Waugh (32) and Hayden (30) are ahead of him
3. 6th on the All Time runs scored for Australia -- behind Ponting, Border, Waugh, Clarke and Hayden
4. Not just a home-track bully either... his away record is almost as good as his home record
The only quality that puts him behind Ponting, Border and Waugh is longevity. Those guys played more than 150 Tests, and their respective records dipped away somewhat by the end. But compared to, say, Chappell or Harvey who are both regularly regarded as "greats", Smith has them covered.
Does he make the All Time Australia XI?
Take your pick of openers. Then, assuming Bradman would make 3 and Miller is 6... IMHO, Ponting is probably 4. That leaves Border, Waugh, Chappell, Harvey and Smith battling for the last middle order spot.
Does Smith make it?