Top 10 extra-ordinary batsmen of current times

4. Steven Smith (Australia)

Steven Smith and his rise in international cricket has been a roller coaster ride. He was not much perceived on to captain Australia when he made his debut. He was seen as a leggie who can bat a bit. But slowly he modelled his game well enough to earn his reputation as a batsman. He has the most un-attractive stance in World cricket at the moment, but he does pack a punch. In the past couple of years, his batting has really come good like anything. Smith always was regarded as a special talent by the Australian selectors, and he proved it with his batting the faith that they put on him. During the past couple of years he has bowled fewer overs though, mainly concentrating on honing his batting skills. Besides batting, he is electrifying in the field and he has taken quite a few stunners. Not many thought Australia would find a replacement at no.3, a position once illustrated by Ricky Ponting. Before the World Cup, in the test series against India Smith unleashed himself up the order and also captained the side to victory. In the years to come he will be the flag-bearer of Australian cricket. He has a staggering test average of 52.96 and a highest score of 192. The opposition tend to get carried away by his boyish face, but the maturity with which he bats shows the talent that this man is in possession.