Steve Smith

When he started out in his career, he was hailed as the next big thing in spin after Shane Warne. The looks were similar. A blond, chubby lad who had an action bordering on Warne’s brilliance. But, in the coming years, he became the next big thing in world cricket after Sir Don Bradman. He just loved batting. In simple but effective ways, Steve Smith became the greatest Test player in the modern era.

It is perhaps his unorthodoxy that helped Steve Smith break into the big league. With a big shuffle to the offside, a batting stance that would make purists cringe, Steve Smith has been deadly and effective. In the last seven years, in any condition and against any attack on the planet, Steve Smith has been the Numero Uno player in the world. Against India and in particular against England, Steve Smith has been their worst nightmare.

An average of close to 60 in the game’s ultimate format is a testament to his brilliance. When Steve Smith tackles spin and pace, he becomes the ultimate batsman. In the Fab 4 of batting which also includes Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli and Joe Root, he is firmly entrenched at the top with Kohli.

No one will ever forget his exploits in the 2015 ICC World Cup. In the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final, Smith hit two fifties and a century to help Australia secure World Cup glory in their backyard. When he came back from the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal into the Ashes cauldron, he smashed 774 runs and helped Australia secure the Ashes on English soil after 18 years. The 2019 redemption proved Steve Smith’s mental fortitude is simply on a different level altogether.

When did Steve Smith make his international debut?

Steve Smith made his debut in the neutral Test against Pakistan in Lord's in 2010. He made his debut in ODIs and T20Is the same year. He made his T20I debut against Pakistan and his ODI debut was against West Indies.

What is Steve Smith’s record in International Cricket?

Steve Smith had a tough beginning in international cricket. He was primarily a legspinner who could bat a bit in cricket. But, his leg-spin returns were fading. Around the same time, his batting picked up. It all began in 2013 during the tour of India. He scored 92 in Mohali and was one of the bright spots to emerge from the disastrous 0-4 whitewash against India. But, in that same year, Steve Smith blasted his maiden century against England at The Oval that signaled a complete revival.

Over the next couple of years, Smith was the supreme player in all conditions. In the 2014/15 series against India, he scored four centuries and smashed over 700 runs. Against England, he hit seven centuries in three series to take his tally against them past 10. Barring the 2013 Ashes, Steve Smith has helped Australia win 14 out of the 18 Tests since that period.

Even in India, Smith has a phenomenal record. His centuries in Pune, Ranchi, and Dharamshala in 2017 were a sight for millions of fans. The century he scored on a dust bowl in Pune helped Australia win in India after 13 years. Overall, here is his international record.

What is Steve Smith’s IPL record?

In the IPL, Smith has been in the Indian Premier League for over 11 years. His first stint was with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. After that, he moved to the Kochi Tuskers team in 2011 but an ankle injury saw him miss out. Steve Smith also played for the Sahara Pune Warriors and he did secure a Man of the Match performance against Mumbai Indians. But, it was during his stay with the Rajasthan Royals that made Steve Smith one of the best in the business.

When Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years, Steve Smith was with MS Dhoni in the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise. In 2017, he succeeded Dhoni as the captain and almost led the side to the title. In the final, they lost to Mumbai Indians by one run. In that match, Steve Smith scored a fifty but was unable to get the team over the line.

Steve Smith then played for the Delhi Capitals but his chances have been limited. In the 2022 IPL mega-auction, there is hope that Steve Smith will be picked by a major franchise.

Steve Smith and the ball-tampering scandal

Perhaps, the tipping point for Steve Smith in his career was the ball-tampering scandal in Newlands. The cameras at the ground saw Cameron Bancroft trying to scuff the ball with yellow sandpaper. Steve Smith was implicated along with David Warner and Bancroft. Smith was banned from international cricket for one year along with Warner. Smith received an additional one-year ban from captaincy. During their time away from international cricket, Smith played in some T20 leagues in Bangladesh and West Indies. He also played club cricket for Sydney.

Steve Smith being accused as a ‘cheat’

During the Bangalore Test against India in 2017, Steve Smith was being accused of cheating. When he was dismissed in the second innings, Steve Smith was accused by skipper Virat Kohli that he was looking at the dressing room for instructions. This led to accusations that he was 'cheating.' It was a heated moment at a time when tensions between India and Australia on the cricket field were boiling over.

Steve Smith list of centuries in Tests

Steve Smith list of ODI tons

Net worth of Steve Smith and Brand Endorsements

Steve Smith has a net worth of USD 21 million, which is roughly Rs 155 crore. His annual salary is close to USD 4 million. Here are the brand endorsements of Steve Smith.

• Gillette

• WeetBix

• FitBit

What is Steve Smith’s age?

Steve Smith is 32 years of age. He was born on June 2, 1989.

What is the height and weight of Steve Smith?

Steve Smith’s height is five foot nine inches, which is 1.76 meters. His weight is 78 kgs.

What is Steve Smith’s full name?

Steve Smith has an initial SPD Smith. His full name is Steve Peter Devereux Smith.

Who is Steve Smith’s wife?

Steve Smith’s wife is Dani Willis. The duo has known each other for the last decade. In 2011, Steve started dating Dani Willis, a commerce and law student at Macquarie University. In June 2017, the couple announced their engagement while on holiday in New York. The couple married at Berrima, New South Wales on 15 September 2018.

Who all are there in Steve Smith’s family?

Steve Smith’s father Peter has a degree in Chemistry. His mother, Gillian, is an English teacher. Steve Smith has no siblings.