It was thirteen years ago when a blonde leg spinner from Australia made his debut against Pakistan at Lord’s. People were excited and eagerly waiting to watch him because the last time when a blonde leggie played for Australia, he ended up being the greatest leg spinner ever.
However, the public soon realized that the Warnes are born once in centuries. The experiment didn’t succeed much but little did everyone know that the spinner would become one of the best batsmen of his generation and would conquer all the bowling attacks across the globe in different countries. That blonde leggie was none other than Steven Peter Devereux Smith, Australia Test Cap #415.
Today, Steve Smith is considered to be the best Test batsman of his generation (2015-2023). His phenomenal Test record speaks for himself. 96 Tests and 8792 Runs with an astonishing average of 59.81 is testament of his calibre and consistency. But sets him apart is ability to score in all type of conditions. If he has average of 64.51 in Australia, he has 3 hundred in India at 50.31. An average nearing 60 in England, 57 in Pakistan shows that he is the man of all seasons.
Over the years, he has become a synonym of consistency. From the onset of 2014, barring two years (2018 and 2020), he has never averaged under 40 in any year. If that’s not envy-inspiring for any up and coming youngster, then what is?
Beyond that, he has scored runs when Australia has needed him most. Be it was the Ashes of 2019 or the contests against India at home in 2020-21 or earlier this year in India. He has been the man towards whom the whole of team have looked to provide it the much needed momentum and direction.
While the 2018 ball-tampering issue will also be a blot on his otherwise glorious career, he has been an exemplary leader as well. There cannot be a better example than this year’s India tour when Australia looked down and out after first two Tests but when Pat Cummins had to return to Australia due to personal issues, Stev Smith was given the responsibility to lead and in the remaining two Tests he ensured that Australia fought hard. In the end Australia lost the series 2-1 but Smith lead them 1-0 in last 2 Tests.
Smith has a very good 50-over record as well. Playing the limited overs format for well over a decade, he has scored 4939 runs in 142 matches averaging 44.49.
He has also been the part of the World Cup winning team of 2015. In T20I’s too, he was part of the World Cup 2021 winning team. However, these are feats that aren’t always truly appreciated.
At 34, he might be having another two to three years still left in him. But, Steve Smith doesn’t want to think much about it; he wants to enjoy every moment while playing international Cricket for Australia.
That said, there’s little doubt that he will be adding some serious numbers to his Test match card by the time he finishes.
(featured image- Criiic World URL- www.ipl.ae)
