The Sunday Mail
Fifteen months ago, it is doubtful that even the supremely confident Steve Smith could have predicted his spectacular ascension.
Smith is now basking in the aftermath of being named the International Cricket Council’s Cricketer of the Year and best Test player.
The accolades were in recognition of his outstanding performances from September 13, 2014 to September 13 2015, which is the official voting period for the ICC’s awards.
During that period, Smith scored 1 734 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 82,57, with seven tons and six half-centuries.
He also made 1 249 runs at 59,47 in ODIs, including a dominant World Cup where he memorably guided Australia to glory in the final against New Zealand at the MCG.
Adding to his batting feats, Smith has successfully taken the reins as Australia’s Test and ODI captain following the retirement of Michael Clarke.
Early in his captaincy reign, Smith has already impressed with his intensity and exuberance.
Despite being only 26 years old, Smith has displayed gravitas and it is evident he is leading the young team under his own hard-nosed mantra.
He looms as a unifying presence to a team often fractured under Clarke, who was a tactical genius but a polarising figure.
But back in September of 2014, no one, probably not even Smith, could quite have imagined what was intoxicatingly ahead.
By then, Smith had established himself as a Test regular and seemed likely to be Clarke’s eventual successor as Australia’s next great batsman.
His confidence was burgeoning but, realistically, Smith seemed a few years off from his talents harnessing.
His peak was still in the distance, it appeared.
After all, he had only been a Test mainstay for about a year and batted at the somewhat safety net of five or six.
There were lingering doubts whether Smith’s unusual technique, once described as “neurotic fidgeting” by an Australian journalist, would be able to cope if thrust up the order and encountering the new ball.
There was concern that he was incapable of effectively batting in the top four in the international arena.
Many still couldn’t quite grasp that Australia’s batting future revolved around a player initially seen as a spinning saviour capable of emulating the legendary deeds of Shane Warne.
But the comparisons lasted just at their blonde, spiky hair.
Truth be told, Smith was a relatively useless bowler, but, fortunately, his batting quickly came to the fore even though it took three years to notch his maiden Test century.
It seems hard to believe now, but Smith was on the fringe of Australia’s ODI team in late 2014 and no certainty for the World Cup.
Critics believed Smith didn’t have the requisite explosiveness to warrant selection in the shorter forms of the game.
But what many overlooked was Smith’s self-belief.
Perhaps it’s because of his baby-faced looks, but Smith doesn’t appear resolute. He’s not noticeably battle-worn like Steve Waugh.
He doesn’t possess those squinty, piercing eyes that made Ricky Ponting look gruff. On the exterior, he may look like a boy band member, but make no mistake, Smith burns with intensity inside.
It is his determination to succeed that has been at the core of his stunning success.
Smith has successfully met every challenge in the last 12 months or so, including moving up the batting order, assuming the responsibility of being Australia’s prized wicket, becoming an accomplished ODI batsman, and relishing his sudden leadership burden.
Smith’s composure has been eye-catching when he’s batting.
Despite his quirky technique, where he seemingly shuffles around nervously, Smith looks unruffled once the ball is delivered. He can score all around the wicket and has no obvious shortcoming.
He is Australia’s best player against spin, due to footwork reminiscent of a cat’s precision while delicately walking along a fence.
Pacemen try to prey on Smith’s audacious footwork, which manically move around the crease, in an attempt to target his leg stump. But all that usually eventuates is Smith plundering runs through the on-side much to the chagrin of the bowlers.
Smith has clearly worked his game out, despite the quirky nature of it.
He is right at the arc of his career, at 26 and having played 37 Tests, where his peak is beginning.
Traditionally, batsmen are at their best from ages 27-32. Smith is positioned where Ponting was at the turn of the millennium. He should be able to dominate the rest of the decade, at the least.
Captaincy, and the associated strains of being in Australia’s most prominent sports position, has seemingly been a natural fit for Smith.
Ideally, Australia’s cricketing chiefs would have hoped Smith had a longer apprenticeship under Clarke.
But Smith’s sudden elevation into the captaincy, in the wake of Clarke’s swift deterioration, has been fortuitous timing, with Australia undergoing a renewal after a number of veterans retired in the aftermath of the Ashes in August.
Smith seems at ease amid the cauldron of intensity and expectations. You can feel his certainty at Press conferences, where he speaks to the lurking Press with assuredness and distinct polish.
On-field, Smith has seemingly learned well from Clarke and emulated his aggressiveness albeit less forcefully.
Juxtaposing his serene batting, Smith is visibly animated in the field. Often, he’s angry and noticeably grumpy, almost reminiscent of Allan Border.
Smith doesn’t mind showcasing his emotions. He is set to be a firebrand, but is unlikely to go overboard.
He’s already preached discipline and a more refined approach to Australia’s trademark bravado, although don’t expect Smith’s side to suddenly become saints on the field.
There have been few meteoric rises like this. It certainly doesn’t usually materialise in Australian cricket. Simply, it’s been a remarkable period for Smith.
Suddenly, it is an exciting time for Australia. They are in safe hands.—Firstpost.com
