As the Indian team gears up for a hectic Test cricket season for the rest of the year, the most difficult and exciting challenge awaits them when India tours Australia at the end of the year.

While India will first play Bangladesh in a two-Test series in September, followed by a 3-match series against New Zealand in October, the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia is considered to be the ultimate contest.

On the other hand, Australia will play the white-ball Ashes series against arch-rivals starting with the T20Is on September 11.

Ahead of the BGT 2024/25 series in November, Australia’s star batter Steve Smith revealed his admiration for Indian star Virat Kohli during a promo for the upcoming India tour.

What did Australia’s Steve Smith say India star Virat Kohli ahead of BGT Test series?

Australian batter Smith who has shared a good camaraderie with India’s Kohli on the field in recent times, displayed his admiration for the latter’s attitude and mentality.

He revealed that among the many Indian cricketers, Kohli had the most Australian-like attitude, trying to intimidate and challenge the opponents.

“I believe Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into a battle, the way he gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition. He’s probably the most Australian of the Indian players, I’d say,” The Australian said on Star Sports.

“There’s no real, you know, I need to beat him or anything like that. It’s just about going out and playing and trying to score as many runs as I can and helping Australia have success and that’s what it’s all about,” he added.

Smith also revealed that the two batting legends continue to remain in touch with each other through messages, saying that he welcomed the challenge of meeting Kohli later this year during the BGT series, this time on Australian soil.

“We get on quite well, share messages every now and then and then and look, he’s a great guy and obviously a wonderful player. It’s going to be nice to come up against him again this summer,” said Smith.