विराट और हम बहुत अच्छे दोस्त और संदेश साझा भी करते है : स्टीव स्मिथ

Virat and I are very good friends and share messages: Steve Smith

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India approaching, Australian batsman Steve Smith opened up about his relationship with star Indian batsman Virat Kohli, revealing that they often exchange text messages and explained why his Indian counterpart is "the Aussie". The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin with the first Test in Perth on November 22. Talking about Virat, Smith said on Star Sports, "We get along quite well, share messages from time to time. Look, he is a great guy and obviously a fantastic player. So, it will be great to play against him again this summer." Smith remarked that Virat is "Australian in thought and action. The way he gets involved in it all the way, takes on the challenge and tries to dominate the opposition. I would say he is probably the most Australian of the Indian players," he said. On competing with Virat as a batsman, Smith said he doesn't think like that, but Australia's success is paramount. "It's not like I have to beat him or anything like that. It's just about going out and playing and scoring as many runs as possible and trying to make Australia successful. That's what it's all about," he said. Smith and Virat are among the 'Fab Four' batsmen of the modern era along with England's Joe Root and New Zealand's Kane Williamson.

In 109 Tests, Smith has scored 9,685 runs in 195 innings with 32 centuries and 41 fifties at an average of 56.97. His best score is 239. Virat, on the other hand, has scored 9,685 runs in 113 Tests and 191 innings with 32 centuries and 41 fifties. Virat has scored 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15, which includes 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His best score is 254. A heartfelt moment between the two fierce rivals came during the 2019 World Cup, when Virat stopped the crowd from shouting at Smith over the 'Sandpaper Gate' saga. Smith later appreciated the gesture and thanked the former Indian captain for it.

Virat's Test record in Australia is excellent, he has scored 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, which includes six centuries and four fifties in 25 innings. His best score is 169. In a total of 25 Tests against Australia, he has scored 2,042 runs in 44 innings at an average of 47.48 with eight centuries and five fifties. Smith, on the other hand, is the ninth-highest run-scorer in BGT history. In 18 matches and 35 innings, he has scored 1,887 runs at an average of 65.06, including eight centuries and five fifties. His best score is 192.

The second Test, scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10, will showcase the exciting day-night format under stadium lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to the Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The traditional Boxing Day Test, scheduled for December 26 to 30 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, will take the series to its final stage. The fifth and final Test, scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the climax of the series, promising to be a dramatic finale to a thrilling encounter.