Ashes 2019 | Steve Smith the difference between the two teams to date, claims Allan Border

Steven Smith has been on an absolute roll of late and has shocked the world by coming back in a splendid manner from the one-year suspension that had been placed on him for the ball-tampering scandal. He has been the sole warrior in that Australian batting order for large parts, with only Marnus Labuschagne the only consistent performer while the rest have faltered miserably in each successive game.

"He's been quite phenomenal and if Australia go on to win this game and retain the Ashes, it's basically been on the back of Smith’s bat. He's been phenomenal throughout the series and again yesterday, Australia in trouble as usual, top of the order struggling again. He just steadies the ship, and then that remarkable knock and gets them into position to declare and take those two late wickets which puts Australia right in the box seat going into day five," Allan Border told Fox Sports TV, reported Firstpost.

The 30-year-old is already the year’s highest run-getter in the format despite having played only three matches. He has batted in five innings so far and has scored a double century, a couple of centuries and as many half-centuries taking his average to an astonishing 134-plus.

"He's just a different class, it's as simple as that, he looks like he's playing in different conditions. The bowling looks less threatening when he's at the crease. All the other batsmen have really struggled. There's been some good bowling and the pitches have helped the bowlers a fair bit throughout the series ... but when Steve Smith's facing up, it's a different ballgame,” Border added.

Incidentally, the only game that the Kangaroos have lost in the series was the one which the former skipper had to miss due to concussion. Not to mention he was named the man of the match in their sole triumph in the series and is likely to be awarded the same in the ongoing match too.

"He's just been the difference between the two teams to date," Border added.

Australia are in pole position to close out the match in Old Trafford with a victory and manage to successfully retain the Ashes. However, the legendary figure believes they need to scrutinise their top order before heading into the final Test at the Oval.

"I think we hold all the aces but if it’s draw, they will have to look at that top order. They're just missing straight balls and they can't keep relying on Steve Smith to get them out of trouble, he's going to miss out eventually," he signed off.