New Delhi: Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in world cricket at the moment, Australian skipper Steve Smith has had a wonderful run with the bat, especially in Test cricket. Although he might not have been able to emulate his success in the whites in limited overs’ cricket, the number one ranked Test batsman revealed that he has learned from the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
“I look at some of the best players around the world and sometimes I do try and bat-like them. I just try and learn, and these guys are the best players in the world for a reason. So you try and get whatever you can out of them.
“I have learnt a little bit of Virat Kohli, the way he plays spin and the way he hits the ball through the offside. I have probably learnt a little bit out of that,” he said, in an interview with cricket.com.au.
Smith, who has played 61 Tests further revealed that he has copied a bit of de Villiers does, especially when the ball is reversing.
“I have copied a bit of what AB de Villiers has done. I just open, myself and set myself to play the ball, especially when the ball is reversing,” added the Australian skipper.
He also said that he tried to bat like Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson.
“A few years ago, I tried to bat like Kane Williamson, play the ball really late. I look at different people, the way they play, what works for them and sometimes try and incorporate them into my game,” said Smith, who has scored 6,057 runs at an average of 63.75 in the longest version of the game.
“I just try and learn. These guys are the best players in the world for reasons. You try and get whatever you can out of it.”
“Sometimes it can be a bit difficult coming back from there (the subcontinent),” added Smith, who also named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2017.
“I actually forgot how I like to hold the bat when I’m in Australia the last time I came back, so it might work for a while but it takes a bit of getting used to,” he signed off saying.