The Journey of Steve Smith in cricket is one of the most remarkable transformations in modern times. He started as a leg-spinner and later became a top middle-order batsman, eventually earning a place among the game’s legends.
The Turning Point: A Test Debut at Lord’s in 2009
Smith began his professional cricket career in 2008. In 2009, he received his baggy green cap and debuted for Australia in a Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s. He batted at number eight and played as the team’s main spinner, taking three wickets and helping Australia secure a win.
Setback and Comeback: Rising After the 2010-11 Ashes
However, his performance during the 2010-11 Ashes series was disappointing, leading to his removal from the national team. Smith returned to domestic cricket to work on his game. His hard work paid off in 2013 when he was recalled to the Test team. He scored his first Test century at The Oval that year and followed it with two more centuries in the 2013-14 Ashes, where Australia dominated England.
Leadership Role: Steve Smith Becoming Australia’s Test Captain
In the 2014-15 season, Smith was named Australia’s Test captain after Michael Clarke was injured. During the series against India, he made history by scoring centuries in all four Test matches, firmly establishing himself as a cricketing superstar.
The Golden Year: Stellar Performances in 2017 by Steve Smith
Smith’s career reached new heights in 2017. He scored three Test centuries during a tour of India and another three during a successful Ashes series. His batting average was second only to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman at that time.
The Sandpaper Scandal: A Career on Pause
2018 brought challenges in Smith’s career. Smith was involved in the infamous sandpaper scandal in South Africa, which led to him losing the captaincy and being banned from international cricket for a year. He was also barred from holding any leadership roles in Australian cricket for two years.
World Championship Glory and World Cup Heroics
Smith made a stunning comeback during the Ashes series in 2019. In the first Test at Edgbaston, he scored 144 and 142 in two innings, helping Australia retain the Ashes.
In November 2021, Smith became vice-captain under Pat Cummins. He continued to shine, including a brilliant knock of 121 in the final of the first-ever World Test Championship, helping Australia clinch the title.
Smith’s list of achievements grew in November 2023 when he won his third World Cup. After helping Australia win the 2015 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, he played a key role in defeating India in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, cementing his place as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
