Australia captain Tim Paine believes there’s no doubt Steve Smith is “the best player in the world” after he starred in the Baggy Green’s opening Ashes Test victory over England.

Australia took a 1-0 lead with a thumping 251-run victory over England at Edgbaston on Monday. The hosts, 13 without loss overnight, were hoping to bat through the day to salvage a draw, having been set a mountainous fourth innings target of 398 to win.

However, England slumped to 85 for 4 by the lunch break and were all out for 146 half an hour before tea, Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon doing most of the damage with 6 for 49.

But it was former skipper Smith’s two centuries and 286 runs in the match that turned the Test Australia’s way after they stood at 122 for eight at one point on the opening day.

“I think Steve Smith was unbelievable. There’s no doubt about that, he’s the best player in the world for Test cricket at the moment,” said the visiting skipper.

“He’s probably the best ever, statistically, and while he’s at the crease I think our team’s got real confidence. I thought Peter Siddle digging in with him was crucial.

“And I thought for the majority of the game we bowled pretty well and then today I thought we were superb with the ball. But yeah, having someone like Steve controlling the game certainly helps.”