'He's Had A Wonderful Career': Steve Smith's Word Of Praise For 'Retiring' Sri Lankan Opener

SL Vs AUS, 2nd Test: Steve Smith has some words of praise for the 'retiring' Sri Lanka veteran, as Australia and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the 2nd Test. Read below.

Steve Smith scored his 35th Test ton in the 1st Test vs Sri Lanka, and can go level with Rahul Dravid if he manages to hit triple-figures in 2nd Test

Source : @X/ICC

SL Vs AUS, 2nd Test: Australia skipper Steve Smith has lauded the 'retiring' Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne by calling him 'one of the most consistent openers for a long period of time'.

The Modern Era Legend called Sri Lanka veteran's career 'great' and stated that even though it will be Dimuth Karunaratne's 100th and final Test, Australia will be eyeing to 'keep him quiet'.

"Yeah, he's had a really good career up top there for Sri Lanka, playing his 100th game as well. So, yeah, I think there's a bit of a ceremony tomorrow for him before the game. And he's been super consistent if not probably the most consistent top-order opening batsman for a long period of time," said Steve Smith.

"He's had a wonderful career. But, yeah, hopefully, we can keep him quiet in his last game," he added.

Smith received lots of praise for his exceptional captaincy in the 1st Test, and one such applause came from the current Test captain of the Australia national team, Pat Cummins, who called the Modern Era Legend a 'genius'.

"That's nice of him. I love captaining in these conditions. I understand the game well and the angles that need to be created and, you know, just moving the chess pieces around the board. It's good fun and, yeah, I've enjoyed it so far. So, hopefully another good week," said the stand-in skipper of Australia.

Veteran Spinner Makes Test Return As Sri Lanka Announce Changes In Squad

After their humiliating defeat in the frst Test, Sri Lanka have opted to make some key changes for the 2nd Test, as the series is on the line. The two-match Test series can now either be won by Australia, or shared between the sides.

Veteran spinner Ramesh Mendis joins the squad ahead of the 2nd Test, and the home side have released Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Udara from the 18-man squad.