Who Said What: Cricketers react to Steve Smith's record-breaking ton

The third day of the Perth began with hope for England and ended with agony as Australia captain Steve Smith showed just why he is the No.1 ranked Test batsman in the world. Beginning just eight shy of his 22nd Test century, Smith swiftly knocked off those runs and then continued to pound England into the ground as Australia ended the day with a lead of 146 with six wickets in hand.

Throughout the course of the day, Smith continued to rewrite the record books as he brought up his maiden Test double century in Australia and became the first Australian captain since 1993 to score a Test double ton in an Ashes Test.

His double ton was also the first by a captain at the WACA, beating the previous-best of 176 by Bob Simpson against India in 1977. Mitchell Marsh also brought up his maiden Test century as England's bowlers wilted under the relentless run-scoring of the pair as Australia were 549/4 at the end of day three.

Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:

Rohit Sharma, fresh off his third ODI double century, was impressed.

What a player Steve Smith. Doesn’t look like he’s going to get out. Does he ? Well played #Ashes

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 16, 2017

Michael Vaughan thinks Smith is in a league of his own.

IMO ... @imVkohli is the best player across the 3 formats ... But @stevesmith49 is the best in Tests ... #OnOn #Ashes ... Although I would really like both in the same team ....

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 16, 2017

7th 100 against England ... !!! Remarkable player @stevesmith49 ... Best Test player in the world !?? #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 16, 2017

Kevin Pietersen wasn't happy with England's bowling plans.

My word, are England not allowed to bowl bouncers?!????!!!!!!???!!!FFS show some aggression! ?#Ashes

— KP (@KP24) December 16, 2017

And those same plans made Murali Kartik ponder.

The way England are bowling right now reminds me of myself through my career.. Clueless and bereft of ideas.. ?????????

— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) December 16, 2017

Dean Jones thinks that it is all over for England.

And the Big sword is about to come out... #putaforkinthem England are done in this Test now.

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) December 16, 2017

@stevesmith49 YOU ARE A FREAK! #period!??#TheAshes #bradmanesque

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) December 16, 2017

Michael Clarke

Could not be happier for @mitchmarsh235 what a champion ?? @stevesmith49 is a freak! Batting genius ?

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) December 16, 2017

Isa Guha:

This man is ridic ? ? @stevesmith49 #Ashes smith

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) December 16, 2017

Lisa Sthalekar

Are we witnessing a once in a life-time player?? @stevesmith49 keeping the statisticians very busy. #keepgoing #Ashes

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 16, 2017

There was plenty of praise for Mitchell Marsh as well, who notched up his maiden Test century at his home ground.

One of the great 100 ? celebrations ?Well done Mitch pic.twitter.com/K15qgy1tCi

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) December 16, 2017

Bison goes bang!!! ?!! Great stuff @mitchmarsh235 one of the best feelings in test match cricket!!!#doubleup #startagain

— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) December 16, 2017

Nicely stroked bison @mitchmarsh235 ?? ?

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) December 16, 2017