Steve Smith: The Relentless Craftsman Redefining the Art of Batting

 **Steve Smith: The Masterful Maverick of Modern Cricket – Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments**

**Let's Begin**

        Steve Smith is one of the most divisive and great cricketers of the contemporary age. Known for his unorthodox approach, tremendous consistency, and match-winning exploits, Smith has etched his place among the all-time greats. From his early days as a leg-spinning all-rounder to becoming the world's finest Test batsman, his path is packed with successes, controversies, and unforgettable experiences.

        In this blog, we’ll explore: - Steve Smith’s career and teams

- The amount of players on his key squads - **Five of his most memorable and surprising moments**

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## **Steve Smith’s Cricket Career & Teams**

### **Domestic & Franchise Teams**

Steve Smith has represented various teams across formats:

1. **Australia (National Team)** – Test, ODI, T20I 2. **New South Wales (Domestic Cricket)** – Sheffield Shield, One-Day Cup 3. **Sydney Sixers (Big Bash League)** – T20 Franchise 4. **Rajasthan Royals (Indian Premier League)** – 2014-2015, 2021-Present 5. **Worcestershire (County Cricket)** – 2017 6. **Pune Warriors (IPL, defunct)** – 2012-2013

### **How Many Players Are in These Teams?** - **Australia (Test/ODI/T20I Squads):** Typically 15-18 players per squad - **New South Wales:** Around 20-25 contracted players - **Sydney Sixers (BBL):** 18-player squad - **Rajasthan Royals (IPL):** 25-player squad (including overseas stars)

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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments in Steve Smith’s Career**

### **1. The 2015 World Cup Century versus India (Semi-Final)** **Match:** Australia vs India, 2015 World Cup Semi-Final **Venue:** Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) **Score:** 105 (93 balls)

Steve Smith proclaimed himself as a batting staple for Australia in white-ball cricket with a match-winning century against India. His 105 helped Australia reach 328/7, and they eventually won by 95 runs. This innings solidified his status as a big-game performer.

**Why It Was Shocking?** - Many still considered Smith as a part-time batter at the time. - He surpassed famous names like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the event.

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### **2. The 2017 Ashes Dominance (3 hundreds in 5 Tests)** **Series:** Ashes 2017-18 (Australia against England) **Performance:** 687 runs at 137.40 (3 hundreds, 2 fifties)

Smith single-handedly decimated England’s bowling attack, scoring century in the first, second, and fifth Tests. His **239 in Perth** was a masterpiece in focus and skill.

**Why It Was Shocking?** - England had no answer to his unorthodox approach.

- He averaged **137.40**, one of the highest in Ashes history.

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### **3. The 2018 Sandpaper Gate Scandal (Ban & Fall from Grace) ** **Incident:** Ball-tampering controversy versus South Africa (Cape Town, 2018) **Outcome:** 12-month suspension from cricket, stripped of captaincy

One of the darkest moments in cricket history, Smith (along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft) was involved in **ball-tampering** with sandpaper. The outcry was severe—Smith was **banned for a year**, lost endorsements, and faced global ridicule.

**Why It Was Shocking?** - Smith was Australia’s golden boy and captain. - The controversy ruined his reputation instantly.

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### **4. The 2019 Ashes Heroics (Post-Ban Redemption)** **Series:** Ashes 2019 (England versus Australia) **Performance:** 774 runs at 110.57 (3 hundreds, including a spectacular 144 at Edgbaston)

After his exile, Smith returned with a fury. His **144 at Edgbaston**—after being booed by English fans—was one of the finest Test knocks ever.

**Why It Was Shocking?** - Came back stronger after a career-threatening scandal.

- Averaged **110.57** throughout the series, the second-highest in Ashes history.

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### **5. The 2023 World Test Championship Final (Match-Winning Knock versus India)** **Match:** Australia vs India, WTC Final 2023 **Venue:** The Oval, London **Score:** 121 & 34 (Player of the Match)

Smith’s century in the WTC Final against a formidable Indian assault (including Bumrah, Shami, and Ashwin) demonstrated he was still the king of big matches. His **121 in the first innings** set up Australia’s triumph.

**Why It Was Shocking?** - At 34, he was still dominating world-class bowlers. - Proved his longevity in Test cricket.

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## **Conclusion: The Legacy of Steve Smith**

Steve Smith’s career is a combination of talent, scandal, and atonement. From being a **young leg-spinner** to being **Australia’s best since Bradman**, his path is unrivaled. Whether it’s his Ashes heroics, World Cup excellence, or his recovery from disgrace, Smith remains one of cricket’s most compelling personalities.

**What’s next for Steve Smith? ** With the **2025 Ashes and 2027 World Cup** on the horizon, fans can expect more amazing moments from this modern-day great.

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