Australian · Kogarah, New South Wales · Born 2 June 1989Steve Smith is an Australian batsman and former captain considered the finest Test batsman of his era, with a peak ICC rating of 947, second only to Don Bradman.
Steven Peter Devereux Smith was born on 2 April 1989 in Sydney, Australia, and began his international career as a leg-spin bowling all-rounder before developing into one of the greatest batters in the history of the sport, boasting a Test average exceeding 60 that ranks second only to Don Bradman among players with a substantial career. Smith made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2010, and was appointed Australia's captain in 2015, leading the team with considerable success before his career was thrown into crisis in March 2018. During a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town, Smith was found to have condoned a plan by teammate Cameron Bancroft to illegally alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper, a scandal that became known as "Sandpapergate." Smith was banned from international and domestic cricket for 12 months and from the captaincy for two years, tearfully apologising at a press conference and stepping down immediately. Smith completed his ban and returned to Test cricket in 2019, continuing to bat at an extraordinarily high level, and was restored to the vice-captaincy before briefly recapturing the captaincy during the 2021-22 Ashes series. He has remained one of the most technically unusual yet statistically dominant batters the sport has ever produced, his career forever marked by both his exceptional skill and the scandal that temporarily derailed it.
Regarded as the best Test batsman of his generation with a peak ICC rating second only to Bradman
How They Played
Smith is known for his unorthodox batting technique featuring unique movements at the crease, including shuffling across his stumps and distinctive trigger movements. Despite his unconventional method, he possesses exceptional hand-eye coordination and an ability to score runs in all conditions. His mental strength and concentration allow him to build large innings consistently.
Lasting Impact
Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of his generation, revolutionizing batting with his unique technique and proving that orthodox methods aren't always necessary for success at the highest level.
Career Honours
- ICC Men's Test Player of the Decade (2011-2020)
- 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup winner
- multiple ICC Test Player of the Year awards
| Club | Period | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 2007–2024 | 118 | 9107 | 79 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2014–2015 | 48 | 1524 | — |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 2016–2017 | — | — | — |
| Sydney Sixers | 2011–2024 | — | — | — |
Australian Athletes