After completing his year-long suspension from international cricket, Steve Smith is making strides on the road to redemption…
With his team at 120-8 and boos echoing around the stadium, Steve Smith was left with no space to breathe. Those at Edgbaston had created an atmosphere well worthy of the Ashes, but the former Australian skipper displayed extraterrestrial composure. To call his performance special would be an understatement – and in the eyes of many, he reinforced his status as the best Test batsman in the world. His concentration was impeccable; his shot-selection was flawless; and his approach while batting with the tail was unwavering.
One could be forgiven for thinking Smith’s first hundred was enough to silence his critics, but he followed it with another ton in the second innings for good measure. He walked in with Australia wobbling, but he negotiated a tough last session on day three and carried his sublime form into day four. Despite a year away from international cricket, Steve Smith has quashed any signs of rustiness – making it look as if he never left the game.
Centuries in both innings of the match, take a bow Steve Smith!
A stunning return to the longest form from the Australian.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/vVXlPEVtsl
— ICC (@ICC) August 4, 2019
Smith isn’t the most elegant with the bat, but his effectiveness, especially in the longest format, is second to none. He has scored on bouncy pitches in Australia, turning tracks in India, and now seaming conditions in England. His stance is awkward and unorthodox – and yet, it’s almost impossible to force a mistake from him. Prior to the Ashes, it was said that he was susceptible to the moving ball, but even those concerns have been laid to rest with some imperious batting.
While we saw David Warner take the World Cup by storm a few weeks ago, Steve Smith was not as successful. However, his Test comeback has proven his calibre in the longest format and reminded the cricketing world of what it was missing in his absence. If anything, the Australian duo have shown themselves to be mentally strong. It’s never easy to maneuvre past the external abuse that accompanies bans – but they’ve handled the situation well. Warner even cracked a joke with the fans and took the banter in jest.
Steve Smith has scored his 10th Ashes century – only Don Bradman and Jack Hobbs have more! https://t.co/c8QwnUjIar | #ENGvAUS | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/I6gpFI10wv
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 4, 2019
After doing the time for a crime, one should be able to start a new chapter. However, that’s generally not the case for professional athletes. Playing again after overcoming such emotional strain is an achievement in itself, and Steve Smith is only exceeding expectations. Not only has he regained his place in the cricketing sphere, he has also given his side a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. His 144 and 142 in the first Test will be etched in everyone’s memories as one of the best individual performances in Ashes history. In Australia’s case, time has proven itself the best healer. With their stars finally finding their feet, they look increasingly dangerous – and England will have to be at their best to mount a comeback.