Steve Smith: The Proactive Leader That Australia Needs

Steve Smith : Australia’s batting performance in the Nagpur Test was a complete disaster, with only two batters showing the stomach for a fight and the technique to defy India’s vaunted attack. Among them was Steve Smith, who, besides being the vice-captain, is Australia’s batting tycoon in Test cricket. Smith’s proactive mindset and precise footwork were the keys to his success, and his performance reminded us of what getting stuck at the crease does.

Steve Smith : Proactivity and Bravery – Australia’s Batting Blueprint

Before the series began, Steve Smith laid bare Australia’s batting blueprint in a press conference, with proactivity and bravery being the notable words. Smith knew the importance of playing with soft hands and precise footwork, as he had toured India twice before this series to play red-ball cricket. He also knew that Indian spinners could wreak havoc if they went without a plan. As a result, having a plan straight up was crucial for success.

Steve Smith :The Significance of Smith’s Performance

Smith’s performance was more than just a high score. It was a reminder of what Australia needed to do to win in India. The Indian subcontinent is a challenging place for visiting players, especially batsmen. However, Smith, the opposition, and the venue were made for each other in Test cricket. As Smith said before the series, “winning in India is bigger than the Ashes.” But the question is whether he will be able to add that feather to his cap before retiring.

Steve Smith : Smith’s Mindset and Technique

Smith’s proactive mindset and technique set him apart from the rest of the team. He was efficient against pacers and spinners alike, which was not the case for most of the Australian batters. Smith loves batting and has trained rigorously to avoid getting beaten on the inside edge. However, Jadeja successfully did it twice, albeit once off a no-ball. Smith is a quick learner and, as Justin Langer once said, “the greatest problem solver.” He will want to work his backside off ahead of the second Test in Delhi.

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Steve Smith : Australia’s Heavy Defeat in Nagpur

The heavy innings defeat in Nagpur raised questions about whether Smith would have to do the heavy lifting with the bat, much like how it happened six years ago. Unlike in the 2016-17 leg, this time Australia landed in India on the back of high expectations, with former greats tipping them to break the 19-year drought. They had reasons, as Australia had a prolific top five. Moreover, Australia thought they had gathered enough support crew for Smith, who averaged a daunting 60 in their backyard and over 70 overall.

Steve Smith : Smith: The Proactive Leader That Australia Needs

Australia’s meltdown in Nagpur showcased that only two batters reliably had the stomach for a fight and the technique to defy India’s vaunted attack. One of those batters was Steve Smith, who is more than just a high scorer. He is the proactive leader that Australia needs to win in India. Pat Cummins might be the official captain, but Smith is Australia’s batting tycoon in Test cricket. Despite a lean run in that brief period after the 2019 Ashes series, Australia’s fortunes have revolved around him. It’s hard to see them winning an overseas Test without him in the lineup.

Conclusion

Steve Smith’s performance in the Nagpur Test was a reminder of what Australia needed to do to win in India. He was efficient against pacers and spinners alike, which was not the case for most of the Australian batters. Smith’s proactive mindset and technique set him apart from the rest of the team.