New Delhi: Australian cricket team's lynchpin batsman Steve Smith and team India captain Virat Kohli are considered as two stalwarts of modern-day greats. Who is the better batsman? Virat or Steven: A debate that revives after every few months. Despite the tough competition among themselves, both mutually respect one another.

Recently, during a live video session on Facebook, Smith admired the way captain Virat chases in white-ball cricket (T20s, ODIs). The Aussie star batsman also spoke about the much-awaited India's tour of Australia, slated to be played Down Under later this year.

"I admire Virat (Kohli) a lot, he is an amazing player. You look at his record now... simply incredible. He has done so much for India in cricket. You know the way they play the game now and the sheer passion he has got for Indian cricket," Smith said during a live interaction on Sony Ten Pit Stop show on their Facebook page.

"His willingness to improve and get better. His body seems to have transformed over time and he looks so fit and powerful.

"The one thing I admire about him is the way he chases in white-ball cricket. You look at his average in winning chases in ODIs and it is simply phenomenal," he added.

Last time, when India toured Australia for 2018-19 series, they scripted history by becoming the first Asian side to beat Australia in a Test series Down Under. Smith believes Virat-led team India is well equipped with a mix of talent and experience and will pose a big threat for them in the series.

"Plenty of challenges I think because India are an incredible team. Their batting line-up is so strong. Virat... (Cheteshwar) Pujara last time here was immovable... (Ajinkya) Rahane a quality Test player. Then they have got KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. They have got batters everywhere," Smith said.

"They have got a great batting line-up to go with a strong bowling line-up. They have got (Mohammad) Shami and (Jasprit) Bumrah...Ishant Sharma has been here plenty of times as well. So a well rounded team and it is going to be a terrific series this summer that's for sure."