Smith acknowledged Karunaratne\u2019s remarkable career, calling him one of the most consistent opening batters of modern cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Yeah, he's had a really good career up top there for Sri Lanka, playing his 100th game as well,\" ICC quoted Smith as saying. \"There's a bit of a ceremony 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.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At 36 years old, Karunaratne is stepping away from Test cricket after a recent dip in form, leaving behind a legacy as one of Sri Lanka\u2019s finest red-ball openers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He's had a wonderful career. But, yeah, hopefully, we can keep him quiet in his last game,\" Smith added with a smile, as Australia looks to seal the series with another dominant performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Karunaratne\u2019s farewell match is a major storyline, Smith\u2019s captaincy has also been a talking point. With regular skipper Pat Cummins absent due to injury and paternity leave, Smith has once again stepped in to lead Australia\u2014and has impressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cummins, watching from the sidelines, praised Smith\u2019s leadership, even calling him a \u201cgenius\u201d for some of the tactical decisions he has made on this tour. Smith was visibly pleased with the compliment but remained focused on the task ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"That's nice of him,\" Smith said. \"I love captaining in these conditions. I understand the game well and the angles that need to be created\u2014just moving the chess pieces around the board. It's good fun, and yeah, I've enjoyed it so far. Hopefully, another good week ahead.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Australia may need Smith to continue in the captaincy role, as Cummins\u2019 lingering injury has raised doubts about his availability for the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"That's nice of him,\" Smith said. \"I love captaining in these conditions. I understand the game well and the angles that need to be created\u2014just moving the chess pieces around the board. It's good fun, and yeah, I've enjoyed it so far. Hopefully, another good week ahead.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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