Cricket aficionados know Steven Smith for his distinct approach to batting, and his recent preparation for the upcoming Lord’s Test has been no exception. Having turned 36 last week and with over 10,000 Test runs under his belt, Smith took an unconventional break from cricket, spending three months in New York working with a new trainer, not picking up a bat until just a few days ago. Yet, upon his return to the nets, Smith was quick to announce, “Can we play tomorrow, I’m ready to go,” as relayed by coach Andrew McDonald.
The Australian team’s flexible approach to player preparation allows veterans like Smith the autonomy to decide their training regime. Yet, even for an athlete as cricket-obsessive as Smith, the hiatus raised eyebrows. However, he has returned feeling stronger since his 2014 peak and highlighting improved hip mobility, which he believes could enhance his performance in slip fielding.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from cricket, Smith stated, “I’d normally have a bat laying around the house. But I made a conscious decision to just let it go for a while. It was good.” He last wielded the willow during a Champions Trophy match against India, but his instincts quickly returned. “Fortunately, everything sort of clicked into place immediately,” he added. The initial net sessions were satisfying for Smith, and he hopes to maintain that form without needing endless practice days.
Smith’s confidence is bolstered by his record in England, where he boasts a Test average of 55.00. His record at Lord’s is even more impressive, averaging 58.33, with a century in his last outing at the famed ground. During a training session in Beckenham, he noticed the wicket provided a bounce akin to Perth Stadium, hinting that his back foot play could prove vital. “I don’t tend to get too far forward to the ball. I try and score really square of the wicket,” Smith explained of his English batting technique.
After scoring a century at Lord’s in the 2023 Ashes, Smith endured his longest stretch without a hundred. Yet, he rebounded with spectacular performances, including four centuries in eight innings against India and Sri Lanka, reminiscent of his golden run during the 2019 Ashes. Despite seldom feeling pressure throughout his storied career, he admitted, “Maybe a little bit after Adelaide last year was the most I’ve felt.” This challenge only fuelled his hunger for runs, showing his resilience and determination to excel.
As the series approaches, Steven Smith’s personalised preparation and his proven record in England set the stage for another potential standout performance at Lord’s. The cricket world awaits to see if his unique reset will translate into success on the field.
