Steve Smith is going to captain Australia in their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, stepping into the leadership role once again. Their regular captain Pat Cummins was granted paternity leave post a superb BGT series win. This move brings back the spotlight on Smith's dual roles as a cricketing maestro - both as a batter and a captain.
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| Image Credits: The Statesman |
As a pure Test batter, Smith has established himself as one of the modern greats, with a batting average that rivals the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. Over the years, Smith has accumulated 9,999 runs in Test cricket, showcasing not just consistency but a remarkable adaptability to various conditions.
His scoring spree isn't limited to home turfs but extends to challenging pitches in England, India, and South Africa where he has notched up centuries, proving his skill in reading and mastering the game's toughest conditions. His batting technique, often described as unorthodox, has been a puzzle for bowlers, allowing him to manipulate the game's ebb and flow with an almost artistic flair.
Transitioning into the captain's role, Smith's record is equally compelling. He has led Australia in 38 Test matches, with a commendable tally of 21 wins. His leadership was marked by a strategic mind that often outwitted opponents, particularly evident in his tactics against spin in the Indian subcontinent.
Under his captaincy, Smith's batting didn't just hold up; it arguably improved, with his average climbing, suggesting that the additional responsibility of captaincy might have motivated him to further heights. His tactical acumen shone through in his field placements and bowling changes, often tailoring strategies to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition.
However, his captaincy era also includes the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018, which led to a temporary ban from leadership roles, casting a shadow over an otherwise illustrious tenure. This event brought scrutiny to his leadership style, which some viewed as defensive post-scandal, although his individual performances continued to dazzle.
Analyzing Smith's performance across these roles, there's a noticeable resilience and adaptability. His approach to batting under captaincy was one of leading by example, where his scores often inspired or bailed out the team in crucial moments. The pressure of captaincy, while challenging, seemed not to detract from his batting but rather to sharpen it, perhaps due to the direct influence he could exert on the game's outcome.
Here's a table summarizing Steve Smith's Test batting figures both as a pure batter and as a captain:
Role | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Is Not Captain | 76 | 137 | 6,132 | 50.67 | 19 | 27 | 215 |
As a Captain | 38 | 67 | 3,867 | 66.67 | 15 | 14 | 239 |
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