A look at the 'rejuvenated' Steve Smith

Smith has scored 5 hundreds in his last six Tests.

From coming in to the team as a 'specialist' leg-spinner who could bat a bit, to becoming the No.1 ranked test batsman in the world, this young Aussie has come a long way. He is given another responsibility of leading the test team, post retirement by Michael Clarke.Here's a look at his career so far, from a 'dud' to a 'dude':

Following his Test debut in 2010, up to October 2014, he had scored 1300 runs from 20 Tests at a moderate average of 38. But the year 2015 changed his fortunes, now he has amassed more than 2300 runs at a brilliant average of over 52. His ODI statistics were no different earlier. He averaged 20 in one day internationals prior October. From then on, Smith has amassed 1636 runs at an average of 87 with 3 tons.

From where did this sudden improvement come from ? Minor changes.

For example, consider his footwork. Once, his foot was rarely seen moving. But now, he does that quite regularly. Footwork defines a batsman. In the recent times, we have seen him loft it over the bowler’s head, more importantly, with some beautiful footwork.

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Another notable change has been in his approach. His mindset has changed completely. Throwing his wicket after reaching a smaller milestone like a fifty was a fairly common scene when this young lad batted. But now, we see him notch up massive hundreds.

 

But this hasn’t come that easy for him. Playing Test and ODI Cricket hasn't been easy for Smith. He was left out of Test cricket for two years from January 2011 to make changes in his technique and then was selected for the India tour in March 2013. In the meanwhile, he played a few one-day internationals but Ricky Ponting and the selectors didn't know what to make of him. That was no doubt reflected in the six positions they had him bat, with the No. 7 spot being the most popular. Maybe that's why he failed so often during this period. With the captain playing him at 7 or 6, maybe he was deprived of the quality time at the crease.

Smith gets out in unusual fashion on day two of the first Ashes Test at Cardiff.

Flawless? Faultless? No!

He may have been in the best of form in the past 14 months, but he does have a faulty technique. The 26 year-old has still a long way to go in the international arena. Time will only tell his future in the game. His recent record may cement his place in the team but not for long.

His so called 'walking technique' has come under scrutiny many a times and looks vulnerable against the swinging ball, cause of concern for a number 3 batsman. The way he handles the new ball is interesting. However, if the opposition do their homework well and keep it on the off, most of the right -handers feel the heat.

 "Smith's weaknesses will emerge: Swann"

Swann dismissing Smith in the 2013 Ashes.

Former English spinner Graeme Swann and legend blasted his game and criticised the batsman for his faulty technique. he was of the opinion that the young batsman was not a threat for the Alastair Cook-led side.

Swann, who retired midway through the 2013-14 Ashes- just when Smith was in the 'form of his life', making three tons in six Tests. He managed to dismiss Smith on three occasions.

Speaking with The Guardian, Swann said he was surprised at Smith’s ascension to the top of the Test rankings.
“Yeah, because I didn't think he was a great player,” he said. “I still don’t think he’s got a great technique. He must have surprised himself, as well as everyone else, with his output.

“The trick for him is to try to keep that going. Whether he can, time will tell. I don’t think he’ll score runs at three if it’s swinging.Weakness will emerge with Steve Smith. He’s not like a Steve Waugh – a nugget with no obvious ways of getting him out. I hope for England’s sake that he’s a flash in the pan. He doesn't strike fear in you like the Aussies used to, with a Matthew Hayden or an Adam Gilchrist.”

  

“Whether it’s supposed to be intimidating or not … but it wasn’t. Had that been 2004 and a close-up picture of Matt Hayden, opening bowlers would genuinely have been going ‘oh f-ck’.

Coming back to his game, a serious nicker of the ball earlier, Smith now has gained 'some' control over the habit. More often than not you would see him edging it towards the slip cordon, but now things have changed. The 'new' or 'revamped' Smith rarely does that. 

Lastly, taking a brief look at his bowling. After developing his batting, he has never cared to look to the other side. If ever he wants to sustain in the international arena as an 'all-rounder', he will have to take a serious look at his bowling skills. His leg-spin hasn't been dangerous or threatening lately.