Steve Smith can be a match-winner, predicts Gilchrist

Australian legend Adam Gilchrist has said that youngster Steve Smith can be a match-winner with the bat, ball or in the field.

Gilchrist said analysts should stop trying to tell Smith that he should concentrate on one discipline over the other as he has the talent to be successful in all three areas of the game.

"I wouldn't care to brand him a bowling or batting all-rounder and work out which he is better at," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Gilchrist, as saying.

"I certainly know a lot of people spent a lot of time having that discussion about my game. Just let him play and add whatever he adds. He's brilliant in the field, he's enthusiastic and looks to me like a match-winner," he said.

"I've only seen snippets on TV and haven't seen him up close a great deal but from what I've seen and what I've learnt from everyone he's one to really keep an eye on. He seems to have every attribute to go on and be successful," Gilchrist added.

Smith is capable of batting high up the order and boasts a first-class average of 56 with the bat after 13 matches.

Smith, who has represented Australia in both forms of limited-overs cricket but is uncapped at Test level, said he saw his future as an all-rounder.

"Every string you have to your bow helps you in the future. I like being involved in the game as much as I can whether it be with bat, ball or in the field. I work just as hard on my fielding as I do on batting and bowling at training. I really pride myself on my fielding," he said.