‘Bradmanlike Smith can be as great as Waugh’

MUMBAI: Australia coach Darren Lehmann was all praise for Steve Smith, terming his batting record in the four-Test series against India as “Bradman-like” and saying he could be one of Australia’s greatest captains of modern era.

The Australia captain was the top run-getter from both sides, notching up 499 runs at an average of 71.28 in four Tests.

Lehmann said Smith’s innings were phenomenal, and compared him to cricketing great Don Bradman for his show with the bat and positive effect on the team. “He’s been brilliant. He’s been unbelievable. He’s been Bradman-like with the bat but all the stuff behind the scenes has been exceptional,” Lehmann said.

“Really pleased for him and what he’s brought to the team as a leader. The way they’ve gone about it has been impressive.

“There’s a lot of learning in this group over this tour. They’re all hurting and disappointed for the result but really pleased with the effort and the attitude and trying to change the way we play here. He’s led from the front. Three hundreds in four Tests is pretty special.”

Lehmann believes Smith can go on to lead the side for many years to come and equal the levels achieved by Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

“Yeah, I think so,” Lehmann said when asked if Smith could be as good as Taylor, Waugh and Ponting.