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Steve Smith has stepped up to first drop in Australia’s ODI team and could do the same for the Test side later this year.
Smith filled in as Australia’s captain and No.4 batsman in the recent Test series against India following Michael Clarke’s hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old showed composure beyond his years, peeling off four centuries and a total of 769 runs to better Don Bradman’s mark for the most runs in a series between the two nations.
Smith has regularly noted he’d be happy to bat higher, but officials had been concerned about burdening him with the responsibility of the most important spot in the order.
However, it seems to be a case of when and not if for the in-form wonderchild.
Smith was promoted to No.3 during the World Cup.
He excelled, top-scoring for Australia in their knockout wins over Pakistan and India.
The logical extension is Smith will also replace Shane Watson at first drop on Test tours of the West Indies and England later this year.
“He’s certainly made the most of the opportunity he’s got at No.3 in one-day cricket,” Clarke said after the semi-final win over India.
“He’s been ready for a while – it was just about getting that chance.
“Test cricket is no different. He’s ready for that as well, if he gets the opportunity.”
Clarke suggested he was impressed with Smith’s training ethic and determination to improve as much as anything else.
“Getting into good form and scoring runs is a fantastic feeling,” Clarke said.
“To go to training the next day to work on your game, to try and become better, is one of the hardest things to do.
“That’s what makes you a great player.
“He’s still training extremely hard, still getting there early, still doing the work even though he’s batting so well.
“I can’t say I’m surprised he’s getting the results … he’s earned it.”
Smith looms as the key wicket for New Zealand in Sunday’s final, having topped Australia’s World Cup run-scoring charts with 346 at an average of 57.66.
Outgoing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara recently described Smith as one of the most promising young batsmen in the world.
“If you consider where Steven Smith was to where he is now, it’s unbelievable,” Sangakkara told ESPNcricinfo.
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