Watson lauds Smith's Ponting-like summer

Shane Watson says Steve Smith's total domination with the bat this summer reminds him of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in his prime, and the allrounder can't see it stopping any time soon.

Speaking at the Sydney Cricket Ground today as a partner for 'Cure for MND', an organisation that aims to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease, Watson said Smith’s record-breaking summer – where he became the highest ever run-scorer in a four-Test series – reminds him of his former captain's prolific run as the world's premier batsman.

Smith looks back on his amazing summer

"It really has been a privilege to be able to see the way he’s been batting and playing, and also holding himself," Watson said.

"I've been very lucky in my career to be able to play with some of the great players that have played for Australia. 

"Ricky Ponting - someone who I idolised and was able to see up close how he dominated world cricket for such a long period of time. 

"To see Steve Smith and what he’s doing in this point in time is very much along the lines of what Ricky Ponting was doing when he was dominating.

"It's like they're playing another game. No matter the quality of the bowler, who's bowling, they just never seem fazed, they're able to take on whoever's bowling, and it's a privilege to see someone who’s at their absolute peak.

"I know Steve, the way he is, the way he works, the way he holds himself, this is going to continue for a long period of time.

"I'm sure it will continue through the World Cup and he’s going to be a crucial man in our batting order."

Smith is the hot favourite to take out his first Allan Border Medal in Sydney tonight after a summer that saw him become the first player in the history of the game to score centuries on debut as Test and one-day international captain.

Smith scores a century on debut

The 25-year-old is yet to taste defeat as the leader of his country, winning one and drawing two Tests against India, while guiding his team to victory with an unbeaten 102 in Hobart in his only match as one-day skipper.

None of this is a surprise to Watson, who says Smith was blessed with supreme cricket nous seemingly from childbirth.

"He's an impressive leader. He's pretty chilled, pretty relaxed in and around the group. Everyone knows what’s expected from him," Watson said.

"But he’s also let his bat do the talking out there. He reads the game incredibly well for a young man.

"It's like he’s been born with this cricket intuition. In situations he just knows where to go to, whether it’s with the bat or as a leader in the field. 

"Even up until he got given the captaincy he’s always someone Michael called on, but also for me I’ve been lucky enough to have him in and around my IPL franchise as well. 

"He’s someone you know you can call on, especially in pressure situations, he’s going to give you really good feedback.

"He’s a really impressive young man."

As part of Watson’s partnership with Cure for MND, the allrounder will donate $200 for every four he hits in the ICC Cricket World Cup, and $300 for every wicket and six he collects throughout the tournament.

Doctor Ian Davis, a sufferer of MND since September 2011, says two Australians die every day from MND, while two more each day are diagnosed with condition.

"I’m hoping to have a really strong performance on home turf and be able to hand over a substantial cheque to Cure 4 MND, I’m also hopeful by raising the public profile others will be inspired to donate money or match my donation," Watson said.

Donations can be made via the website www.curemnd.org.au