Steve Smith has been doing wonders and his run-scoring ability might force coaching manuals to be rewritten, former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist has shared that. He scored 671 runs in five innings during the Ashes at an average of 134.2 and has climbed to the top of the Test rankings for batsmen after returning in the circuit after a year due to a ban.

“Years ago, Smith had a lean patch with the bat, and had to step away for a bit,” former wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist told reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday. “He tried to change his technique, but later decided to stay true to his game.”

“To stick to your guns when all the cricketing greats, coaches and textbooks say you are wrong — that takes real courage. And now everyone is watching him bat in amazement, and trying to learn from him. The textbooks on batting technique may need to be rewritten,” he said.

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“Smith’s run is extraordinary, considering the sort of pressure he was under,” said Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests for Australia. “It (heckling) was expected from the England crowds. Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft took responsibility for their actions. Smith has utilised the time away to come back mentally tougher,” Adam Gilchrist added.

However, Tim Paine-led Australia side managed to retain the Ashes with their victory in the fourth Test in Manchester.

“Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft — they are still finding their feet in Test cricket. I don’t think anyone has secured their spot in the Australian team, apart from Steve Smith,” the 47-year-old concluded.