In the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, Steve Smith, the spearhead of the Australian batting lineup, scored 0, 17, and 2 in his opening three innings. Prior to the series, there had been serious concerns about his form. Some fans and experts, however, expressed optimism that his long-term return to No. 4 might be advantageous.
In the third Test in Brisbane, the former Australian captain scored his 33rd century in the longest format, demonstrating his class. In the first innings of Thursday, December 26’s Boxing Day match between Australia and India, Smith supported that outstanding effort with a fluid half-century. After facing 111 deliveries at Stumps on Day 1, the right-handed hitter was still undefeated at 68.
The century at The Gabba, according to former Australia head coach Justin Langer, gave Smith a lot of confidence, and the move back to the middle order has also been successful. Smith is in good form when he starts driving through the covers and plays the pull shot, according to Langer.
“There is no substitute for running. His confidence will be boosted by his final hundred. It has significantly changed since he returned to his favourite position of number four. You never write off champions, as I have stated numerous times. They have a cause for being champions.
You can tell Steve Smith is in really excellent shape when he starts to play that pull shot where he stretches his arms and when he starts to cover drive, like we saw today. Langer told Star Sports, “India will have a difficult time if they don’t get him out early.”
Once Steve Smith is in the zone, he doesn’t hold back: Ravi Shastri
The 35-year-old Smith found that his time at the crease in Brisbane proved to be quite beneficial, according to former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Shastri emphasised Smith’s capacity to take advantage of favourable form.
“In the previous game, his time at the crease was vital. He persevered through the first 40 or 50 runs, which were a slog. The fluency was significantly improved today. He had good foot movement and targeted the spinners. Smith and other gamers don’t stop once they have the hang of it.
This isn’t him sitting on a hundred. Shastri remarked, “We’ve seen him before; once he gets going, he doesn’t hold back or waste good form when he sees it.”
Australia was 311/6 at the end of the day, and Smith and skipper Pat Cummins were still undefeated. On Day 2, they will try to establish a strong partnership in order to assist the hosts in setting up a high first innings total.
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