A legend announces his return in style
Posted on: August 2, 2019
Just over a year ago when the “sandpaper” gate came to light Steven Smith walked out of a press conference in tears. A rule was broken and a mistake committed and he was suspended rightly even though harshly for a year by ACB. Smith was at the top of his game then. A average of over 60 with 23 hundreds there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was the best batter in Tests.
A brilliant batter with immense self belief and mental strength. When the suspension happened there doubts whether he would be able to make a return to the side and continue in the same vain. There were apprehensions cast over his ability to keep his composure during such a dark phase of his career and rise out of it unscathed. Smith though was lucky though that despite not being able to play international cricket he was allowed to play on various T20 leagues around the world.
Even though the formats are different, keeping in touch with your batting in a competitive environment is crucial when you are in such suspension. Even though he did not light those tournaments with stellar performances, everyone knew that his best format was always Tests. Smith walked out at Edgbaston against England when his team was struggling losing both the openers.
David Warner who also was making a comeback was the first one to go surprisingly not reviewing a LBW decision. When Australia lost Usman Khawaja on 35, the onus was completely on Smith to carry his team to safety on his return. Smith was not only battling the conditions and a very good bowling attack but he was dealing with a not so friendly crowd. The English supporters telegraphed their intentions clearly as to what they thought of Smith’s return during the World Cup.
When at one stage England looked like bowling Australia out for under 200, Smith along with Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon got Australia to a very good 284 with a brilliant and chanceless 144. This probably was one of the best knocks under pressure you will see from any player on world cricket. Steven Smith showed that despite not playing Test cricket for over a year he still is the best player in this format.
This was the kind of knock Australia was missing over the past year or so in Tests. The knock had dogged resistance, amazing skill and brilliant execution at the end to take advantage of tiring bowlers. Smith ticked all those boxes in one of his best Test innings. The English bowlers though will be disappointed letting Australia get through to a competitive total. Even though absence of James Anderson played a part, they have now put themselves in a tricky situation. It will be interesting to see how Australia bowl on this wicket but again it is not going to be easy for the host batters.
While we wait to see what unfolds on day 2 in this already incredible Test, let’s marvel at the genius that is Steven Smith. The best Test batter has returned to claim his throne back and what a wonderful way to so.
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