Head coach Justin Langer was in awe of Steve Smith while watching him play during Australia's first practise session ahead of the World Cup, so much so that "it was like watching Sachin bat".
Comparing Smith to master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was a huge compliment that also sent out a warning to rival teams ahead of the World Cup beginning on 30 May.
Smith, who made his comeback with the IPL after serving a one-year ban for ball tampering alongside opener David Warner, was in no mood to spare the bowlers in the team's first training session following its arrival in England.
After smashing Pat Cummins for a six over third-man, Smith played another scintillating stroke off Nathan Coulter-Nile, that made Langer say "it was like watching Sachin bat", according to cricket.com.au.
"As a batsman it's brilliant. I watched Steve Smith batting against New Zealand in those three practice games. He's literally a master of the game, so it's nice to have him back," Langer said.
"It's been hilarious for me because whether on the ANZAC cove or in the lunch room, or we're in the bus playing cards, he's just shadow batting the whole time,” he added
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