Virat Kohli close but Root, Williamson are nowhere near Steve Smith, feels Ricky Ponting

In terms of Australian rankings, Ricky Ponting is often regarded as Australia's second greatest batsman after Sir Don Bradman boasting the nation's most ever runs and hundreds in both Tests and ODIs. However, Smith is quickly making a stellar case for himself, challenging Ponting's lofty position. After his brilliant unbeaten double century on Day 3 at the WACA, Smith has now notched 22 tons, and almost rested the topic of who is the best Test batsman in the current generation. Ponting has also been awed by his compatriot’s sublime form and settled the debate once and for all.

The three-time World Cup winning player further added that England players came to him seeking advice on how to get Smith out. 

Australia’s team selection was the subject of a massive debate ever since the very first Test at the Gabba, and when the selectors picked Mitchell Marsh in the team ahead of Peter Handscomb for the Perth Test, critics had every reason to question the selection. Marsh had been branded as the worst No.6 batsman ever and many thought his return would bring back the nightmare into the Aussies team. However, the Marsh jr played a composed innings of 181 runs to shut the critics’ mouth and that impressed the three-time World Cup-winning cricketer.

“There has been a lot of ‘noise’ about Mitchell Marsh and his selection back in the team again.Have the selectors made the wrong or the right call? I think it’s been proven again they’ve made the right call… There wouldn’t be a person in Australia that’s not happy seeing Mitchell Marsh doing what he’s doing at the moment,” he said.