Ricky Ponting, Australia's greatest run-scorer, hailed Steve Smith as "a genius" Friday after his Ashes double hundred -- an exploit his country's media said was "Donald Bradman-like". Smith has taken his game to a new level since returning from a 12-month ball-tampering ban this year, with his 211 in fourth Test at Old Trafford giving him an incredible batting aver during series of 147.25.  30-year-old's 211 was centerpiece of Australia's 497-8 declared on second day of fourth Test. It was his third century in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142 in opener at Edgbaston -- Smith's first Test since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban. Steve Smith had a few lucky chances as he was dropped on slips by Jason Roy and survived a dismissal by Jack Leach after decision was overturned by third-umpire as he had overstepped crease. 

"You hear all sorts of words, 'genius' is one that comes to mind," Ponting told cricket.com.au when asked to sum up Smith's kck, which put Australia in a dominant position after two days. A remarkable innings again. It's his application to what he does. He just doesn't make any mistakes. His concentration levels are obviously unbelievably good." 

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Steve Smith sits on top of ICC rankings as he nears Bradman's record

Even Ponting, one of cricket's sharpest minds, struggled to think of how to get him out. But he did have some advice. "He's only been out nine times lbw in his last 99 innings, so you kw if you're bowling straight you're t going to get him out," he said. " one thing you have to do is try and challenge outside of his bat. He doesn't miss it on inside."  Smith, who last week regained first place in ICC Test batting rankings ahead of India's Virat Kohli, is increasingly being compared to legendary countryman Bradman, widely considered Test cricket's best ever. Ponting pointed out that only Bradman had scored more centuries and double centuries against England, and only Bradman had a higher batting aver (99.94) than Smith's current 64.64. "Even what Smithy is doing w is remarkable, to think how good Bradman must have been to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at moment is ridiculous," he said.

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Australian media keep a close eye on Smith and Bradman's stats

Australia's media said gap between two men was constantly narrowing. "We're at point where Smith and Bradman can t only be used in same sentence but transposed," said Australian's senior cricket writer, Gideon Haigh. Sydney Daily Telegraph was equally effusive in its praise of Smith's batting, which has seen three centuries in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142. His worst kck was 92. "Double ton confirms Smith's greatness," tabloid said in its headline. "His score of 211 was an innings beyond significance for match alone, it was one which took batting genius beyond comparisons with anyone or than Sir Donald Bradman," it said.

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