Number-one ranked Test batsman Steve Smith has picked Pakistan’s left-arm pacer, Mohammad Amir, as the toughest bowler he has encountered in international cricket.

During an Instagram question-answer session on Sunday, Smith was asked to name the fast bowler he finds difficult to face. The Australia batsman selected Amir while heaping praise on the latter’s bowling skills.

"Mohammad Amir, I think is the most skillful bowler I have faced," wrote Smith.

On an Indian chat show with Bollywood star Aamir Khan in 2017, Indian captain Virat Kohli also expressed similar views about the 28-year-old left-arm pacer.

“In the recent times, Mohammad Amir of Pakistan (is the hardest to face)," Kohli said. "He is in the top two or three bowlers in the world and one of the toughest bowlers I have played in my career. You have to be on your ‘A’ Game when you’re facing him or he will strike. Outstanding, a very good bowler."

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Last month in an Instagram live session, Amir picked Smith over Kohli as the toughest batsmen, from the current era, to dismiss.

“In the past, I would say it was Jonathan Trott. From the current batsmen, it is Steven Smith due to his solid technique," said Amir.

Smith was also asked about his thoughts on Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Babar Azam.

"Very good player. Has a lot of time when he’s batting," he wrote.