How far can Steven Smith go in Tests?

[Ab Fan]

Well here I am somewhat making a bold prediction as I can see this Australian lad becoming <B>one of the top 10 test cricketers of all time.</B>

He is currently the best test batsmen in the world. He has already scored everywhere in the world and with 20 hundreds already struck in just 56 tests, he can go miles long as a test cricketer.

<B>In the last four years, he has amassed 4400 runs at an avg of 70.96 in 40 matches.</B> He was the only batsmen in the world who scored heavily vs Ashwin/Jadeja in recent Indian home season and impacted games. He already has a double century in Lords.

How far do you think Steven Smith can go in this format in his overall test career?

 

[SLcric123]

He can become a top tier ATG in tests.

 

[troodon]

Smith can surpass Sachin's total runs record if he can keep up this level for another 5-7 years.

 

[shane]

I think he has gone as far as he will go. I was watching him in a Sheffield Shield game last night and he really struggled against Queensland on a quick pitch against quality short bowling, before eventually being dismissed by it. I do think he has flaws which are not yet being exploited in International cricket.

 

[Ab Fan]

BUMP! Here we go..

 

[WengerOut]

He is on a brilliant run if form like Ponting 2005-2007. But Cricket is a funny game. He will struggle one day. Thats for sure. It won't be as Rosy as it feels now. Longevity is a major factor which is underrated here in the forum.

 

[Stallion__]

He will have a Ponting like career. Will maintain his average for a couple of more years but will be less prolific in the last few years of his career.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Can join ATG group.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Will cross 11,000 test runs.

 

[CricFan2012]

Never liked Smith but I am slowly becoming a fan, to go from leg spinner to the best test batsman in 5 years, wow!

 

[austerlitz]

At his peak now.Will continue like this for 3 more years.After that sharp decline.Doesnt have technique to compensate for reflexes slowdown inevitable after 31-32.Will be an ATG however.

 

[kingusama92]

At his peak now.Will continue like this for 3 more years.After that sharp decline.Doesnt have technique to compensate for reflexes slowdown inevitable after 31-32.Will be an ATG however.

Pretty much this.

Smith is still ascending and this peak is something for the ages. But it will come to a stop in a few years as his reaction time slows down with age.

The runs will come but he'll average around 53-54 by the end which is still incredible.

 

[Zaz]

Whatever happens he ll down as one of the best ever

If he retires within the next 3-4 years he ll go down in history as probably 2nd only to bradman stats wise avging 60 odd

If he plays for another 7-8 years, like all greats do, he ll suffer the inevitable decline in his last few years as he ages and slows and will avge out at 53-55

 

[Justcrazy]

If he can finish with average of 60 , he will be considered greatest of this era.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Regardless what his final average stands at, no other modern batsman has had their average even touch 60 for a single innings.

Smith has maintained it at 60 for a fair number of matches now. Lets see how long it lasts.

 

[giri26]

Smith has already taken a huge lead on all his contemporaries in tests at least. He has performed everywhere and has lots of patience to slug it out in tough situations. We have seen that Root does not have this capability.

 

[Ab Fan]

If he can finish with average of 60 , he will be considered greatest of this era.

Really??

Perhaps by that logic to be considered as one of the greatest of all time, he need to average 75.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

As he does not have an orthodox technique need to see how his reflexes are when he's > 32.

He does struggle against short pitch bowling, that's the only flaw i see in his batting as of now.

 

[Mobashir]

Most important series for him will be :
Next series in South Africa : 4 tests, he is at his peak, South africa will probably have all their gun bowlers, Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Rabada.
Next Ashes in England : Even if he scored 2 double last time, I am not convinced about him against Swing.
Next series in India : Well, no one tought he could do so well as he has done this time, If he can be half as good next time it will be sufficient.
(Next series in UAE : If it is a proper 3 test series, Pakistanis are often a brilliant test for white batsmen)

In Australia, the pitches are often very good for batting, so he will probably continue to score at a good average around 60.

If he passes those tests with good results he can be considered the best batsman of the last 30 years otherwise he is on his way to company Lara, Tendulkar and Ponting.

 

[ManFan]

Most important series for him will be :
Next series in South Africa : 4 tests, he is at his peak, South africa will probably have all their gun bowlers, Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Rabada.
Next Ashes in England : Even if he scored 2 double last time, I am not convinced about him against Swing.
Next series in India : Well, no one tought he could do so well as he has done this time, If he can be half as good next time it will be sufficient.
(Next series in UAE : If it is a proper 3 test series, Pakistanis are often a brilliant test for white batsmen)

In Australia, the pitches are often very good for batting, so he will probably continue to score at a good average around 60.

If he passes those tests with good results he can be considered the best batsman of the last 30 years otherwise he is on his way to company Lara, Tendulkar and Ponting.

He will average around 50 in SA. Steyn is old and Morkel on the decline. Philander is trouble but only when pitch is green.
In England, he will struggle big time. Would do really well to average 40+ against a bloodthirsty attack in swinging conditions.
India, he will do well again but only score 1 century. What he did last time was just INSANE.
In the UAE, he will avergae 60+ as on his first tour, before he became proficient, he had a wonderful 97 but was LBW. HE will score probably 1 century and pass 50 on 3 out 4 occasions.

 

[DRsohail]

will score 40 to 50 centuries.

 

[Mamoon]

He is to Tests what Kohli is to ODIs. He can become the best Test batsman since Bradman, just like how Kohli is the best ODI batsman since Viv.