Ashes 2019: Tim Paine Compares Steve Smith to Ben Stokes

Australia captain Tim Paine described Steve Smith as a “freak” after he took a stunning diving catch at slip to dismiss Chris Woakes. England have been in a good position in the ongoing fifth Ashes Test where they have a lead of 382 runs and two days in hand. Aussies were below-par in fielding as well and their DRS drama is still there.

However, in this situation, Chris Woakes tried to drive a wide delivery from Mitchell Marsh. Unfortunately, he got the edge and Smith, diving to his right took a wonderful one-handed catch at slip. Even the very next ball saw the dismissal of Jos Buttler.

He got a top-edge and the ball stayed aerial for quite some time. Marnus Labuschagne came from the deep square in, diving forward and took a stunning catch which led Buttler to the dugout after scoring 47.

However, Paine found similarity between Smith and England all-rounder Ben Stokes who both are vital cogs for their respective sides. While Smith was the reason of Australia’s win in the first and third Test win, Ben Stokes took his side to a nail-biting one-wicket win in the third Test and kept the hope alive of a series draw.

“Cricketers like him, I think Stokes is the same, they’re just in the contest and in the game all the time,” Paine said. “That’s what makes great cricketers great because they’re always in the contest, they’re always aware of what’s happening. It was a pretty special catch.”

Smith is the highest run-getter in the series so far, with more than 750 runs which came at an average of 125.17. However, Australia have already retained the Ashes and it will be interesting to see whether they win the Test or it ended up in a draw.