The Leg-Spinner Who Became a Two-Time World Champion and One of Cricket’s Greatest Batsmen: Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s journey from a promising leg-spinner to one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket is a tale of resilience, transformation, and an undying hunger for success. His recent retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy as a two-time World Cup winner and one of the most unorthodox yet effective batsmen will live on.

The Early Days: A Young Leg-Spinner with Batting Potential

When Steve Smith made his international debut for Australia in 2010, he was primarily considered a leg-spinner who could bat a little. His initial games saw him batting lower down the order, often at No. 8 or No. 9, while being used as a bowler in the middle overs. However, his wrist spin didn’t make a lasting impact at the highest level. Despite this, there were early signs of his batting ability. Even in his first Test series, Smith showed glimpses of confidence with the bat, but few could have predicted the transformation that would follow.

The Turning Point: Reinventing Himself as a Batsman

By 2013, Smith realised that his bowling wasn’t going to secure him a long-term place in the Australian squad. Instead of fading away, he worked tirelessly on his batting, completely reshaping his game. He adopted an unorthodox yet effective technique, characterized by exaggerated movements, an unusual stance, and a relentless hunger for runs. His breakthrough came during the 2013 Ashes series in England, where he scored his maiden Test century. This was the moment the world took notice—Smith was no longer just a makeshift batsman; he was a genuine match-winner.

Rise to Cricketing Greatness and World Cup Glory

From 2014 onwards, Smith’s batting reached another level. He dominated Test cricket, piling up runs with staggering consistency. His ability to read the game, play long innings, and counter any bowling attack made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world. Some of his career highlights include:

- 2015 Ashes: Smith scored 215 at Lord’s, cementing his place as Australia’s best batsman.

- 2017-18 Ashes: He averaged 137.40 in the series, making England’s bowlers look helpless.

- 2019 Ashes (Comeback Series): After serving a one-year ban due to the infamous ball-tampering scandal, Smith returned in style, scoring 774 runs in just four Tests.

- 2015 Cricket World Cup: Smith played a crucial role in Australia’s World Cup-winning campaign, scoring a century in the semi-final against India and anchoring the final against New Zealand.

- 2023 Cricket World Cup: Smith, now a veteran, once again played a key role as Australia secured their sixth World Cup title, proving his longevity and consistency in ODI cricket.

The Unique Batting Genius

What makes Smith so special is his unconventional yet highly effective batting technique. Unlike traditional batsmen, he moves across the crease before the ball is even delivered, making it extremely difficult for bowlers to find a weakness. His hand-eye coordination, ability to leave balls late, and mastery over spin bowling set him apart from his peers. Despite being labeled "ugly" to look at by some critics, his results speak for themselves. He has an average above 58 in Test cricket—one of the highest in history.

Challenges and Redemption

Smith’s career wasn’t without controversy. The ball-tampering scandal in 2018 was a low point, leading to his suspension from international cricket for a year. Many thought this would end his career, but Smith returned stronger than ever. His resilience and sheer determination to let his bat do the talking proved why he is one of the best.

Retirement from ODIs: End of an Era, But Not the End

In March 2025, Smith announced his retirement from ODIs after an illustrious career spanning over a decade. He played 170 matches, scoring more than 5,800 runs with 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His contributions to Australia’s 2015 and 2023 World Cup triumphs will always be remembered, cementing his status as a two-time World Cup champion.

However, this isn’t the end of Steve Smith in cricket. He remains committed to Test and T20 formats, ensuring that fans will still see him grace the field with his unique batting style.

Awadh360 plus

Smith’s journey is a lesson in adaptability. From a struggling leg-spinner to a two-time World Cup-winning batsman, his transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. He redefined batting in Test cricket, showing that technique doesn’t always have to be textbook as long as it delivers results. As he steps away from ODIs, Smith’s legacy will inspire future.