WATCH: Steve Smith receives standing ovation after getting off the mark on his 39th ball

When it comes to the longest format of the game, India’s Virat Kohli, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and Australia’s Steve Smith are regarded as the Kings of the game. It is only debated as to who is the best batsmen in the world in tee-ball cricket, and the votes boil down to Kohli and Smith, with the latter getting an extra edge. Smith is often compared to Don Bradman and is expected to go down in the game as one of its legends.

The right-hander is currently ranked as the second on the ICC rankings, only second to the Indian captain. Not only does Smith spend long hours at the crease, but he also bats at a good strike rate, which is not often seen in the longest format of the game.

But on Friday, fans and spectators saw a different side to Smith, the one in which he scored took 45 minutes and 39 balls to get off the mark on the first day of the third Test against the Kiwis.

Opening batsman David Warner was dismissed in the first session by Neil Wagner, after which Smith came out to bat on the crease. He slowly put on a partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, with the latter doing most of the run-scoring during the initial part of the partnership, with Smith looking to just defend himself.

It took him quite some time to get off the mark. He took a quick single off Wagner after sending the ball towards the midfielder in the 39th ball which he faced. The crowd at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, which waited for a long time to see Smith off the mark, stood up in cheer and gave a standing ovation to the batsman.

Smith too raised his bat to acknowledge the fans at the venue. In fact, the Kiwi bowler too patted on Smith’s back after he got off the mark.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne scored his sixth fifty in seven innings to guide his team to a strong position. At tea, Aussies were 182 for two.