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Australia’s golden boy Steve Smith has received a fair amount of criticism in his short career. Not many believed he had the ability to become a star and the most important player in the side.
In his early days, there were clear weaknesses that many sides exposed, as he came into the side when it perhaps wasn’t at its strongest.
His debut Test against Pakistan back in 2010 he batted at eight as he was the frontline spin option. He did manage to bowl economically and take some wickets performing the most difficult style of bowling available.
Due to the Australians rolling Pakistan in the first innings, Smith had to wait for his opportunity in the second innings. Bowling 21 overs taking 3-51, it looked as if we may have found the next Shane Warne.
Smith has come out recently and said he has always been a batsman, but if bowling spin and batting down the order got him a game at the top, you’re going to do whatever the selectors ask.
As the years have gone by Smith’s leg spin has taken a back seat while his batting has blossomed.
Being given the opportunity to captain the Test side during Michael Clarke’s absence due to injury, he showed no signs of going into a shell. His Test batting average is up to 52.36, with 10 centuries, and his one-day international average is up to 39.28, with four hundreds.
Remember he got his maiden international hundred in only 2013 – his rise has been within the space of two years.
A match winning knock from Mr Reliable against India in the semi-finals showed he not only performs in a normal matches, he can also do it in the biggest tournament on the biggest stage.
Smith’s last four scores in the World Cup have been 95, 72, 65 and 105. He has contributed more than any other player throughout this whole summer of cricket for Australia.
With the final against New Zealand only days away, Smith will be preparing himself for one more big innings.
Steve Smith has done more than enough to silence his critics, but a hundred in the World Cup final would be icing on the cake for this talented young player.
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