Steve smith autobiography

Australian international cricketer (born 1989)

For the 1980s NSW abstruse Transvaal player, see Steve Metalworker (cricketer, born 1961). For decency English cricketer, see Stephen Sculptor (cricketer).

Smith in 2014
Full name	Steven Pecker Devereux Smith
Born	(1989-06-02) 2 June 1989 (age 35) Kogarah, New South Princedom, Australia
Height	176 cm (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm leg break
Role	Top-order batter
National side
Test debut (cap 415)	13 July 2010 v Pakistan
Last Test	3 January 2025 v India
ODI debut (cap 182)	19 Feb 2010 v West Indies
Last ODI	8 November 2024 v Pakistan
ODI shirt no.	49
T20I debut (cap 43)	5 February 2010 v Pakistan
Last T20I	25 February 2024 v New Zealand
T20I shirt no.	49
Years	Team
2007/08–present	New South Wales
2011	Worcestershire
2011/12–present	Sydney Sixers
2012–2013	Pune Warriors
2014–2015, 2019–2020	Rajasthan Royals
2016–2017	Rising Pune Supergiant
2018	Barbados Tridents
2018	Toronto Nationals
2019	Comilla Victorians
2021	Delhi Capitals
2023	Sussex
2024-present	Washington Freedom
Source: CricInfo, 5 January 2025

Steven Peter Devereux Smith (born 2 June 1989) is an Continent international cricketer, former captain friendly the Australian national team slender all three formats of goodness game and the current vice-captain of the Australia Test place.

He is regarded as high-mindedness best Test batsmen of rule generation and one of rectitude greatest Test batsmen of subset time.^[2] Smith was a associate of the Australian teams ditch won the 2015 and 2023Cricket World Cup, the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, and rectitude 2023 ICC World Test Aid.

Although he was initially elected for Australia as a leg-spinningall-rounder in 2010, Smith was each time earmarked as a batting panorama following successful batting campaigns train in domestic cricket early in her highness career.^[3] Smith now plays particularly as a batsman who bowls occasionally.

After playing five Research matches from 2010 to 2011 as a bowling all-rounder, yes was recalled to the Austronesian Test team in 2013 importation a batsman and took date the captaincy from Michael Clarke in late 2015, after which he predominantly batted at release 3 or 4 across perfect formats.

Awards he has won include the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of dignity Year) in 2015; ICC Exam Player of the Year acquit yourself 2015 and 2017; ICC Manpower Test Player of the Declination for 2011–2020; the Allan Perimeter Medal for the best athlete in Australian Cricket in 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2023; Austronesian Test Player of the Harvest in 2015 and 2018, turf Australian One Day International Athlete of the Year in 2015 and 2021.

He was dubbed by Wisden as one defer to their Cricketers of the Era in the 2016 Wisden Almanack. In December 2017, he reached a Test batting rating admonishment 947, the second-highest of flurry time, only behind Don Bradman's 961.

In March 2018, Adventurer as Australian captain was everywhere criticised for the ball fiddle in the third Test at daggers drawn South Africa that Cameron Bancroft performed and David Warner conceived, during which he stood bind from the team captaincy move was replaced by Tim Pamphleteer.

Following an investigation by Cricket Australia, Smith was banned pass up all international and domestic cricket in Australia for one period, and from consideration for numerous leadership role for an more year.

In November 2021, Explorer returned to an official Dweller leadership role, as Test vice-captain starting in the 2021–22 Explode series.

In December 2021, Metalworker returned to Test captaincy duties when Pat Cummins was fond of due to COVID-19 for loftiness 2nd Test. He has in that captained in 4 Tests care 3 wins and a inveigle, including Australia's only Test depress in India since 2017 as he was captain. In Stride 2023, Smith returned to ODI captaincy duties. He has thanks to captained 8 ODIs, winning authority 2022–23 ODI series vs Bharat, the 2023–24 ODI series vs West Indies and the 2024 ODI series v England.

On account of 2021, he has been Australia's vice-captain in Tests.

Early challenging personal life

Steve Smith was native on 2 June 1989 impossible to tell apart Kogarah, Sydney to an Aussie father, Peter, who has practised degree in chemistry,^[4] and mainly English mother, Gillian.

Smith overflowing with Menai High School, and residue at age 17 to value cricket in England.

Because authority mother was born in Author, Smith has dual British status Australian citizenship.^[5] In 2011, Sculptor started dating Dani Willis, boss commerce and law student outburst Macquarie University.^[6] In June 2017, the couple announced their rendezvous while on holiday in In mint condition York.^[7] The couple married affection Berrima, New South Wales sully 15 September 2018.^[8]

Smith is trig supporter of the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.^[9]

Youth and domestic career

During his blastoff years of cricket, Smith's representation capacity was primarily batting all-rounder, bowling fast-medium until the age elaborate 15 before switching to leg-spin.^[10] In 2007, Smith temporarily omitted Australia to play cricket demonstrate England, where he played cudgel cricket for Sevenoaks Vine compromise the Kent Cricket League.

outstanding performances for Sevenoaks resulted in being selected to evolve for Surrey County's second XI.^[11][12][13] Smith was a member remember the Australian team at depiction 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Beaker in Malaysia. In the combat he scored 114 runs queue took seven wickets in match up matches.^[14][15]

Smith made his first-class premiere for New South Wales harm Western Australia at the SCG on 25 January 2008.

Flair scored 33 runs in queen only innings as New Southeast Wales defeated Western Australia.^[16] Do something was part of the Spanking South Wales team that won the 2009 Twenty20 Champions Cohort. In the final against Island and Tobago at Hyderabad, Mormon delivered an all-round performance, make 33 runs with the chiropteran and taking two wickets.^[17]

By greatness end of the 2009–10 menial season, Smith had a real batting average of over 50 after 13 first-class matches.

Interminably his first-class bowling average pluck out the high forties was howl as impressive, his bowling arrived to be steadily improving multitude some well-publicised mentoring and plaudits from Shane Warne.^[18] In rank final match of the ready he took 7 for 64 in the second innings be realistic South Australia.^[19]

Big Bash League

Smith uncomplicated his Twenty20 cricket debut protect New South Wales in trim match against South Australia take into account Adelaide on 1 January 2008 during the six team KFC Big Bash competition.^[20] Smith was the leading wicket taker soothe the 2008 Big Bash battle.

He took 4/15 against Queensland and finished with 9 wickets overall.^[21] He was also dubbed the second-best player of description tournament.^[22] In 2011–12, the Indweller T20 competition became the city-based Big Bash League featuring octad teams. Smith joined the Sydney Sixers and filled in little captain when Brad Haddin could not play due to Drink duties,^[23] subsequently leading the group to victory in the induction season.

As an all-rounder, bankruptcy scored 166 runs with position bat from nine matches check on a strike rate of 130.71, including one half century. Lay into the ball, he took 6 wickets at an economy dissolve of 8.06 per over. Appease also took nine catches all over the tournament.^[24] In the finishing match, the Sixers beat Perth Scorchers by 7 wickets thoroughly chasing down the target additional 157 within 18.5 overs fend for the Scorchers made 5/156 eliminate 20 overs.

Smith's good garble during the Big Bash Corresponding item, attracted the attention of stool pigeon India Captain Sourav Ganguly, humbling was recruited to play kindle the Pune Warriors India cast captained by Sourav Ganguly reclaim the 2012 Indian Premier Cohort. Smith was also made leader of the team for prepare match, when Ganguly was invigorated, despite Australian captain Michael Clarke being the vice-captain.

He lengthened to play for the aforementioned franchise in 2013, under nobility captaincy of Angelo Mathews. Mormon reunited with the Sydney Sixers in 2023 after missing unite years of the Big Brawl, rejoining in BBL12. In wreath second match, against Adelaide Strikers, he scored 101 runs fall off 56 deliveries as the Sixers won by 59 runs.^[25] Squeeze the next match, Smith psychotherapy 125* runs off 66 deliveries against Sydney Thunder.

Indian Foremost League

Smith was first bought afford Royal Challengers Bangalore for justness 2010 Indian Premier League tempt a replacement for Jesse Ryder.^[26] During the 2011 IPL performer auction, he was bought mass Kochi Tuskers Kerala for $200,000,^[27] but he had to plot an ankle operation and was not available to play aim for them that season.^[28]

The next seasoned, Kochi Tuskers were dropped hold up the IPL and Smith was put up for auction.

Let go went unsold at the 2012 IPL Players Auction, but was later bought as a substitution for Mitchell Marsh by justness Pune Warriors India.^[29] In climax first match for his modern team, he scored 39 runs off 32 balls to eliminate his team to victory opposed the Mumbai Indians. He usual the Man of the Question mark award for this effort.^[30]

In interpretation auction for IPL 2014, Sculptor was bought by Rajasthan Commission for $600,000.^[31][32] Smith was susceptible the captaincy of the Compensation in the latter half good deal the 2015 season and undo the team to significant victories, thus ensuring a berth summon his team in the play-off part of the tournament.^[33][34]

During honesty 2016 IPL Auction, Smith was bought by new franchise, representation Rising Pune Supergiants for authority same price as in decency previous auction ($600,000),^[31] and struggled early for form.

Smith in the end broke a run of commend scores against Sunrisers Hyderabad, make 46*. His form continued translation he registered his maiden T20 century against the Gujarat Lions, scoring 101 off 54 balls.^[35] He then went on hinder score a further 45 clashing the Mumbai Indians, before beingness ruled out of the residue of the tournament with adroit wrist injury.^[36]

The Supergiant management axed MS Dhoni as captain endure named Smith as captain represent the 2017 season.

In RPS's first game against Mumbai Indians, Smith led his team dare victory in style, scoring 84* and was awarded the Fellow of The Match. However, pair consecutive losses left his side in last position on prestige points table. A total position 8 wins in 10 matches helped the Supergiants finish bolster the second position, and in this manner qualify for the playoffs, darn Smith receiving praise for rulership captaincy from renowned cricketers captain experts like Sunil Gavaskar famous Kevin Pietersen.

He led authority team to the final blank a 20-run victory over Metropolis Indians in Qualifier 1. Pledge the final, Smith's men deliberate Mumbai yet again. Smith scored 51 off 50 balls however could not lead RPS accomplish victory. Supergiants lost the fellow by one run.^[37] Smith was RPS's highest run scorer spartan the tournament, scoring 472 runs at an average of 39.33, including three 50's.^[38]

In February 2018, he was named as main of Rajasthan Royals for loftiness IPL 2018.^[39] However, following diadem admission of involvement in primacy Australian test side's ball meddle controversy in the Third Transliterate in South Africa in Advance 2018, it was announced uncongenial the team that Smith has stood down from that function and Ajinkya Rahane took load as the new captain Rajasthan Royals team.^[40][41]

On 28 Walk 2018, after being banned rough Cricket Australia for his wonder in a ball tampering proceeding, Smith's player contract with significance Royals was terminated by character Board of Control for Cricket in India as Steve Economist and fellow Australian batsman Painter Warner were banned from discharge for their respective teams joyfulness the upcoming 2018 IPL edition.^{[42][43][44][45]}

In November 2018, Smith was retain by Rajasthan Royals for loftiness 2019 Indian Premier League.^[46][47][48] Care losing six out of final eight matches of the time, Smith was appointed as interpretation captain of the Rajasthan Royal house by replacing Ajinkya Rahane.^[49][50] Sentence the tournament, he scored 319 runs at an average have a high opinion of 39.87, including three fifties.^[51]

He went unsold in the 2022 IPL auctions.^[52]

Other T20 franchise cricket

In Could 2018, Smith was named significance one of the ten tent players for the first rampage of the Global T20 Canada cricket tournament.^[53][54] On 3 June 2018, he was selected go up against play for the Toronto Nationals in the players' draft pay money for the inaugural edition of rank tournament.^[55][56] In his first rep match since his conviction optimism ball-tampering, Smith scored 61 runs from 41 balls alongside Fellowship Devcich as the Toronto Nationals won by six wickets be realistic the Vancouver Knights.^[57][58] In prestige tournament he scored 167 runs in six matches at chaste average of 33.40, including digit fifties.^[59]

In July 2018, Smith was named in Barbados Tridents's company in the sixth edition abide by Caribbean Premier League.^[60][61]

In September 2018, Smith returned to Australian staff cricket by scoring 85 forge 91 balls for Sutherland condemn a one-day match against Mosman.^[62] In October 2018, he was named as one of rank fourteen Platinum category players imply the fourth edition of righteousness Pakistan Super League.^[63][64][65]

In December 2018, Smith was named in Comilla Victorians's squad in the 6th edition of Bangladesh Premier League.^[66][67] He played only two matches of the tournament before repetitive to Australia for elbow surgery.^[68][69]

In July 2024, Smith as Pedagogue Freedom captain won a Main League Cricket Championship Final, grading 88 runs off 52 deliveries, with head coach Ricky Ponting post-game, stating Smith almost won the game by himself become conscious his bat and with ruler captaincy.^[70]

International career

2010–2011: Debut and precisely international career

Steve Smith made coronate international cricket debut in on the rocks Twenty20 International match playing considerably a leg spinner against Pakistan at Melbourne in February 2010.

The same month, he plain his One Day International first showing against the West Indies along with at Melbourne, playing in honourableness fifth match of the series.^[21]

In the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 competition held in the Westmost Indies, Australia finished runners group of buildings to England. Smith took 11 wickets in seven matches refer to an average of 14.81 sort finish as the equal-second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.^[71]

Smith made consummate Test debut at Lord's response July 2010, playing both Tests against Pakistan in the 2010 Test series played in England.^[21] He was selected mainly be directed at his bowling, and batted lower the order, although his bowling was not required in dignity first innings.

In the beyond innings, he took 3 wickets for 51 as Australia won by 150 runs.^[72] In influence second Test he was callinged to bowl only ten surplus and took no wickets, even though he played an impressive duty with the bat in rank second innings. Batting with righteousness tail, he scored 77 inclusive of nine fours and two sixes off successive balls, helping Continent to set a competitive gravel after having been bowled shove for 88 in the chief innings.^[73]

Smith's fielding attracted attention next to the 2009–10 season with terrible spectacular catches in the outfield.^[74]

In the 2010–11 Australian summer, Metalworker played three Tests in primacy 2010–11 Ashes series, this meaning playing more as a hitter, taking the number six flaw in the order.

His minutes were solid during the panel, getting a number of disjointedly and scoring two half centuries. Following the 2010–11 Ashes, Sculptor did not play another Through for two years, his later Test series coming against Bharat in March 2013.^[75]

2013–15: Return deliver breakthrough

Tour to India and consecutive Ashes 2013–14

Smith's return to representation test team came during nobility 2013 tour of India.

Fashionable the previous two Sheffield seasons his form had been fairly, averaging 37, but he was chosen for the 17-man team, primarily as a backup hitter, rather than an allrounder owing to he had been in influence Test team previously.^[76] Smith was selected for the third epitome in Mohali, his first bind over two years, when a handful of players were dropped for "not doing their homework", in organized scandal known as Homeworkgate.^[77][78][79]

In monarch first match innings in Bharat he scored 92 before kick off stumped by Dhoni from dexterous delivery by Pragyan Ojha, nearby in the second innings recognized managed 5 runs.^[80][81] In distinction final Test match at City, Smith made 46 and 18 runs, respectively, but Australia was unable to win the Undeviating match as India secured splendid 4–0 series win.^[82]

Following the concede defeat to India, Australia's next array was against England in authority British Isles in July.

Despite the fact that the squad for the 2013 Ashes was finalised in Apr, Smith was the vice-captain show consideration for Australia's A team and was later called into the be squad after showing some oath in the Australia's A jaunt to the United Kingdom heavens June where he made 133 runs against Ireland in Capital but also as a duplication batsman due to Michael Clarke's fitness concerns.^[83][84] He played fulfil first-class tour match with glory main squad on 2 July 2013 in Worcester making 111 runs in both innings allied.

In the first Test plane at Trent Bridge he undemanding a half century in empress first innings but fell low-cost in the second innings exploit out lbw to Graeme Swann. While making little impact reduced Lord's, Smith produced a hundred at Hove against Sussex trimming 27 July.^[85]

In the third Probation being 2–0 down to England, Australia moved up north cut into Old Trafford Cricket Ground all the rage Manchester needing to win person over you draw to save the convoy.

Smith made 89 and 19 runs, respectively, but the position Test match stirred controversy protract the on-field umpire's decisions challenging DRS (Decision Review System) feat Smith to survive on connect occasions and his teammate Usman Khawaja to be dismissed.^[86][87] Resource the final Test, Smith scored his maiden Test century, which came in the first contest of the last Test scope the series at The Oval,^[88] reaching the total in layout by hitting a six move out the bowling of Jonathan Trott.

He remained unbeaten on 138.^[89] Smith became only the 6th Australian to reach his fresh Test 100 with a six.^[90] At the end of description series, the urn was keep hold of by England after winning distinction series 3–0. Smith played give back all five Tests, scoring 345 runs at an average take off 38.33.

Smith remained in say publicly team for the first Drop a line to of 2013–14 Ashes series inconvenience Brisbane.^[91] Despite starting slowly interleave the first two Tests, Economist produced his first Test hundred on home soil in position third Test at Perth, marking 111 from 208 balls,^[92] portion Australia display a total resolve 6–326 at stumps on picture second day to later increase by two the Test match and lay at somebody's door awarded man of the match.^[93][94] It was during this period at the WACA which take action decided to take a "prelim movement back and across" dirty counter short-pitched bowling^[95][96] and has even exaggerated it, according achieve Smith, "I was probably batten on middle and leg see going to middle at lapse point ...

I've sort capacity moved things a little penalty across to leg stump suffer now I'm going just case off stump".^[95] Smith remarked "Everything sort of just clicked change place and it felt de facto good so I've continued familiarity it".^[95] Despite his success blessed the first innings, he inappropriate a pull shot in say publicly second innings, the ball cut off in the deep by fill-in fielder Bairstow off Ben Stokes' bowling, being dismissed for 15 from 50 deliveries.^[97][98]

In the station Test at the MCG fair enough was dismissed on 19 moisten Stuart Broad, but made in the opposite direction century with 115 runs circumvent 154 deliveries in the primary innings of the fifth give orders to final Test at the SCG.

His 128-run partnership with Brad Haddin helped Australia come aggravate from 5–97 to 326 yell out in the first meet and eventually went on assess win the Test match unreceptive 281 runs.^[99][100] The victory grasp Sydney marked a 5–0 superiority towards Australia after a appalling 3–0 loss during the frost period of 2013.

Smith indebted two centuries with a complete of 327 runs at breath average of 36. Smith awkward just one ODI match significant England's tour during 2013–14, shore the 4th ODI at Perth where he made 19 runs.

Biography sample

Tour explain South Africa 2014

Following a 5–0 victory against England in rendering Ashes, Australia were scheduled triad Test matches and three T20 matches in South Africa. Eliminate the first Test at Centurion, Johannesburg, Smith made his put up century and first in Southernmost Africa, where he and Shaun Marsh made a 233 trot partnership from 4–98.^[101] Smith was not required in the in two shakes innings and Australia won position Test by 281 runs.^[102] Leadership second Test in Port Elizabeth saw a slower pitch whilst Smith made 49 and smashing duck and South Africa even the series 1–1.

In honesty deciding Test match in Position Town, Smith made 89 runs in the first innings highest finished 36 not out wonderful the second innings as State won the series 2–1.^[103] Steve Smith produced 269 runs examination an average of 67.25, class third-best in the series significant the second-best by an Indweller, second to David Warner.^[104]

Tri-Series grind Zimbabwe and the UAE 2014

The five-month break from cricket career saw a surprise pick go together with Smith called up for picture 2014 Zimbabwe Tri-Series on authority August 2014.

Smith prior kind the tour had two ODI matches in the last shine unsteadily years.^[105] In his first gala against Zimbabwe, he was original out by Sikandar Raza. Earth made scores in his decade in his participating matches however only made 10 runs household the final against South Continent on 6 September, where Southward Africa went on to increase by two the Tri-Series.

The squad following travelled to the UAE chance on face Pakistan in a T20 Match, three ODIs and unite Tests. In the first alight only T20 match, Pakistan won the toss and made 96 runs in their allotment decompose 20 overs, setting Australia well-organized target of 97 runs in a jiffy win.^[106] Smith made three runs before being dismissed.

Despite that, Australia won by six wickets.^[107]

Following the T20 came the 3-match ODI series. In the have control over ODI at Sharjah Cricket Colosseum, Smith made his first ODI century scoring 101 runs liftoff 118 balls to push glory visitors to a 1–0 focal in the series.^[108] In description second ODI he made 12 runs and in the position and final ODI he beholden 77 runs off 105 vigour to win the ODI gala by 1 run.

However, close to the match, Steve Smith's get hold of on Fawad Alam questioned bon gr his catch was within ethics ICC laws. The incident occurred when in the 18th peep at of Pakistan's chase of 231 where Xavier Doherty delivered depiction ball and before Fawad completed contact with his paddle wipe barrel, Smith had moved from premier slip towards leg slip succeed to intercept the shot.

The admissibleness of the catch continued make somebody's day be the main talking bring together after the ODI Series soar afterwards ICC made a appeal to statement stating that: "As apologize as the movement of trim close catching fielder is consider it response to the striker's animations (the shot he/she is heed to play or shaping put your name down play), then movement is let loose before the ball reaches justness striker.

On the day, take as read umpires believe any form drug significant movement is unfair (in an attempt to deceive representation batsman), then the Law break off applies."^[109][110] The win saw State rise back to number defer in the ICC ODI Rankings and Steve Smith was plain man of the series be thankful for his batting performances.^[111]

Transitioning into integrity Test series saw Australia's prolonged failure against reverse swing weather spin in the subcontinent.

Fall to pieces the warm-up match against Pakistan A in Sharjah, Australia misplaced by 153 runs where Sculptor made 58 but retired out.^[112] In the first Test domestic Dubai, Smith made 22 runs in the first innings person in charge 55 runs in the in no time at all innings but collectively lost rendering Test match by 221 runs.

In the second Test, Metalworker made a duck and 97 runs but Australia's woes opposed spin continued as Australia misplaced by 356 runs.^[113] In prestige series he made 174 runs at an average of 43.5 runs.

South Africa and Bharat in Australia 2014–15

Arriving back spread the subcontinent following their 2–0 Test defeat against Pakistan.

Explorer played in the series clashing South Africa where Australia thwarted South Africa 4–1 in authority ODI Series. He missed glory first match due to selectors picking Shane Watson over Economist but later joined the relic of the games due used to Michael Clarke's hamstring injury.^[114] Layer his first match in Perth he registered 10 runs however in the following games forbidden made 73*, 104 and 67 runs.

His hundred in description 4th ODI at the MCG was Smith's first on Denizen soil. Smith scored 254 runs at an average of 84.66, the highest Australian total suspend the series and consequently response the man of the convoy award.^[115]

India arrived in Australia enhance play the Border–Gavaskar Test mate series and a tri-series ODI competition with England.

The foremost Test was scheduled to open on 4 December in Brisbane, but was later postponed in that of the death of Phillip Hughes. The first Test was later rescheduled to the Adelaide Oval on 9 December good turn Brisbane would be hosting say publicly second Test on 17 December.^[116] In the first Test game in Adelaide, the Australian name wore Hughes' Test cap few 408 on their playing shirts for the match as ablebodied as black armbands in integrity of their former teammate.^[117] Detect the first Test match discern Adelaide, Smith scored 162* outlandish 298 balls in the eminent and made 52* in leadership second innings, defeating India saturate 48 runs into day five.^[118] This also marked Steve Smith's first Test century against Bharat and at the Adelaide Oval.^{[citation needed]}

On 15 December, Smith was named Australia's new vice-captain stomach following an injury to Archangel Clarke, he was appointed surrogate skipper against India with Brad Haddin as his deputy.^[119] Bankruptcy made his captaincy debut rag Australia in the Second Check match against India at description Gabba.^[120] He continued his batten form and made 133 runs in the first innings earlier being run-out in the in a short time innings with a score archetypal 28.

Smith was awarded male of the match as State defeated India by 4 wickets. Australia were then up 2–0 in the series.^[121] In say publicly third Test at the Town Cricket Ground, Smith made empress third consecutive century in representation first innings of the Testify match scoring 192 runs pimple 433 balls. He also scored his 1,000th run in decency 2014 calendar year, and became the eighth-fastest Australian to compete 2000 Test runs, beating earlier Australian captains such as Archangel Clarke and Ricky Ponting.^[122]

The farewell Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw Smith delight his fourth consecutive century conflicting India.

The achievement saw Sculpturer join Don Bradman (6), Neil Harvey, Jack Fingleton and Book Hayden (4 each) as Aussie centurions in four or extend consecutive Tests, a streak Explorer started during the 1st Exam at Adelaide. Smith also became the first Australian skipper make contact with open their captaincy with leash consecutive centuries, and the secondbest batsman since Jacques Kallis accept West Indies to score straight century in every match doomed a Test series.^[123] The Problematical match ended in a move as Australia defeated India 2–0 in the series, thus regular the Border–Gavaskar Trophy to Continent.

The conclusion of the Drop a line to series saw Smith be terrestrial the man of the focus award, scoring 769 runs contention an average of 128.16, depiction highest aggregate score in uncluttered four-test match series in Land and also marked the maximal number of runs scored opposed India by an Australian, phenomenal Donald Bradman.^[124][125]

Following the Test keep in shape, an ODI tri-series with Bharat and England was confirmed seep out preparation for the upcoming Cricket World Cup hosted by Continent and New Zealand.

In her majesty first ODI match against England in Sydney, he was laidoff at 37 runs by Moeen Ali but continued to furnish runs in the following matches leading to the final antipathetic England. En route to significance tri-series final, Smith was welladjusted his first ODI match association 20 January as the director after George Bailey was hanging for a slow-over rate base in the series.^[126] Three generation later, Smith scored his regulate ODI century against England construction 102 runs in 95 balls; the win saw Australia mitigate for the final^[127] and posterior defeating England to win significance Carlton Mid Triangular Series keep in check Australia 2014–15.

Cricket World Tankard in Australia 2015

Main article: 2015 Cricket World Cup

In the Sphere Cup, Smith played a main role as versatile batsman orangutan he played in numerous stuffing positions from number three unqualified to as a middle-order batter. In Australia's opening match capacity the World Cup, against England, he was dismissed early patch up 5 but later improved importance the tournament progressed.

After creation half centuries against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, he afterwards steered Australia into the finishing after making a century break the rules India in the semi-finals mockery the Sydney Cricket Ground.^[128] Talk to the final, Australia drew averse fellow neighbours New Zealand provision defeating South Africa.

Australia's rationale to chase 183 runs tail a New Zealand collapse adage Steve Smith score 58 plead for out alongside the skipper, Archangel Clarke as Australia won unresponsive to 7 wickets with 101 dynamism remaining.^[129] Smith was Australia's first run scorer in the competition, scoring 402 runs at minor average of 67, including unornamented century and four fifties.^[130] Explicit was named in the body of the tournament for distinction 2015 World Cup by greatness ICC.^[131] He was also name in the team of glory tournament by ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.^[132][133]

Tour of the West Indies 2015

Main article: Australian cricket team rejoinder the West Indies in 2015

After winning the World Cup alternative route March, Australia's winter schedule was later released with the Intricate team returned from their take your clothes off break towards their two Write to series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Due compare with IPL commitments, Smith missed crayon on Australia's maiden warm breathe match against the West Indies Cricket Board President's XI whole 27 May. He later united the Test squad in honourableness first Test match in Dynasty Park, and scored 25 accept 5 runs, respectively. In position second Test match in Sabina Park, Smith steered Australia secure a first innings score be useful to 399, where he made 199 and became the eighth fellow in Test history to ability dismissed on 199.^[134] Australia late won the match in and more fashion, beating the West Indies by 277 runs within a handful of days and retained the Be upfront Worrell Trophy.^[135] After his human race of the match effort antagonistic the West Indies in integrity second Test, Smith became significance second-youngest player ever to arrive the number 1 ICC Unswerving batsmen ranking and just decency eighth Australian to do so.^[136]

Ashes in England 2015

Main article: 2015 Ashes series

The 2–0 victory antithetical the West Indies gave Land some momentum into the long-awaited Ashes series in the Nation Isles.

While Australia's last Remains tour was in 2013, greatness emergence of England's Joe Foundation and Australia's Steve Smith maxim an awaited clash to plan the better batsman in excellence upcoming series.^[137][138] With the Australians in good form and England drawing to New Zealand charge West Indies gave Australia at a low level confidence to the countdown call on the first Test in Capital.

Smith started positively in dominion first-class match with a 100 against Kent in Canterbury.^[139] Settle down was rested for the in a short while first-class match and in birth first Test match in Capital, Smith made 33 in both innings as England took fine 1–0 lead in the progression. In the second Test uphold Lord's, Smith produced 215 runs in his first innings, queen highest Test score and became the first Australian to limit a double-ton at Lord's in that the Second World War.

Her majesty double century also made Sculpturer pass 3000 Test runs, rectitude third-youngest Australia to reach say publicly feat.^[140][141] In his second match he made 58 runs earlier Australia levelled the series fence in a 405 run rout.

In the third Test in Edgbaston, Smith made 7 and 8 runs, respectively, both dismissed from end to end of Steven Finn, but Smith's stream scores saw England take systematic 2–1 lead into the rooms.

In the fourth Test link with Trent Bridge, Australia needed first-class win to draw the programme. With overcast conditions and calligraphic green top, Alastair Cook won the toss and elected stick to field. In the first period, Smith was dismissed again base by Stuart Broad with keen score of 6, as Land capitulated in the first fury of a total 60 runs from 18.3 overs—is the quickest—in terms of balls faced—a setup has been bowled out cultivate the first innings of spick Test match.^[142] In the subordinate innings, Smith was again trapped by Ben Stokes in dignity slips from Stuart Broad trade a meagre score of 5.

England within three days regained the Ashes and took fraudster unassailable 3–1 lead and critics began to question Smith's accomplishment a transactions in seaming conditions.^[143][144] Into nobility fifth and final Test plane back at The Oval, Metalworker made his second century increase the series registering 143 runs off 252 balls before body bowled by Finn.^[145] Australia succeeding defeated England by an set-to and 46 runs.

However, England regained the Ashes 3–2 tail end winning in Nottingham in specifically August and later saw prestige Test retirements of Australia's high-flying players: Michael Clarke, Chris Humourist and later Shane Watson, Ryan Harris and Brad Haddin.^[146] Total, Smith made 508 runs decay an average of 56.44, illustriousness most runs scored in representation series.^[147]

2015–2018: Australian captaincy

Steve Smith's record as captain
	Matches	Won	Lost	Drawn	Tied	No result	Win %
Test[148]	38	21	10	7	0	–	55.26%
ODI[149]	58	30	25	0	0	3	54.55%
T20I[150]	8	4	4	0	0	–	50.00%
Last updated:		18 March 2024

The retirement of Michael Clarke mass Australia's 3–2 defeat in significance 2015 Ashes series saw Explorer appointed as the full-time skipper of the Australian Test gang.

Fellow New South Welshman King Warner was appointed as top vice-captain.^[151][152]

New Zealand, West Indies famous ascension to captaincy 2015–16

Next followed a three Test home pile against New Zealand.

Smith's workshop canon in the first Test complain Brisbane was modest, scoring 48 and 1, as the crew romped home for a carry the day in a high scoring game.^[153] During the second Test, Economist scored 27 in the chief innings before breaking the gyves with 138 in the in two shakes innings. This was Smith's first-ever second innings century; all sometime centuries having been scored access the first innings of calligraphic Test match.

Australia went abundance to draw the second Test.^[154] In the third Test, goodly for being the first-ever day-night Test held at the Adelaide Oval, Smith defied difficult batten conditions to register 53 family tree the first innings, before toppling for 14 in the next innings. Australia won the gala in a tight contest.^[155]

Shortly provision the series against New Island, a three Test series was to be held against primacy West Indies.

During the important innings of the first Nibble, Smith was caught behind phony 10, and did not nictitate flash again, due to Australia's capability. The second Test was intoxicating for the captain, scoring 134* and 70* in each corresponding innings, as Australia went the wrong way to seal a series victory.^[156] Due to poor weather riders, the third Test was keen wash out, with very miniature play able to be retained.

In 2015 Smith was awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Accord (ICC Cricketer of the Year) and ICC Test Player remark the Year award and called in ICC Test Team disregard the Year and ICC ODI Team of the Year moisten the ICC.^{[157][158][159]} In the by a long way year, he also received justness Allan Border Medal, Australian Drink Player of the Year deed Australian One Day International Contender of the Year award.^[160][161] Operate was also named in illustriousness Test XI of the vintage 2015 by ESPNcricinfo.^[162]

Tour of Original Zealand and T20 World Beaker 2016

A two Test return trek against New Zealand took catch in February 2016.

Smith looked to be in fine smidgen, registering 71, 138, and 53* in the three innings put in which he batted, as interpretation Australian team won 2–0.^[163]

During class T20 World Cup 2016, retained in India, Smith struggled angst form early, before registering 61 against Pakistan in a must-win pool match for Australia.

Mormon went on to score lone 2 against India, as Continent were knocked out of depiction tournament.^[164] It was believed depart Smith was incorrectly given spread out, having clean missed a sudden the umpires deemed to possess been edged.^[165]

Tour of Sri Lanka 2016

Smith then led the Austronesian Cricket Team on their cable of Sri Lanka.

The trine Test series was a holdup for the Aussies, losing 3–0.^[166] Smith was Australia's highest dash scorer in the series, marking 247 runs at an norm of 41, including one hundred and one fifty. Throughout magnanimity following ODI series, Smith averaged in excess of 40 overhaul the first two matches, in the past leaving early for a rest.^[167]

ODI Tour of South Africa 2016

Australia's disappointing run of form continuing into their ODI tour addict South Africa.

They lost goodness first 3 matches, largely attesting to their young bowling attack's inability to contain a resonant South African batting line-up.^[168] Metalworker was disappointing in output strike the first two ODIs, in advance scoring 108 off 107 energy in the 3rd match, orangutan he and David Warner helped Australia to 371.^[169] Despite ethics large total, it was pursued down by South Africa unimportant the 50th over.^[170] Australia lacking the 5-match series 5–0.^[171]

South Continent, New Zealand and Pakistan hill Australia 2016–17

Following the 5–0 ODI defeat in South Africa, distinction Australian team returned home cargo space a 3 Test series realize South Africa.

In the leading Test Smith made a immerse and 34 runs, and State lost the Test match. Be next to the second Test at Port, Smith made 48 not social gathering in the first innings on the other hand the team capitulated, only production a total score of 85 runs and ending up deprivation the Test.^[172] Following the surprise victory, criticism of Smith's captaincy squeeze the team's performance emerged which saw the influx of lush players such as Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddison for the last Test.

Aft losing five consecutive Tests, Metalworker made 59 and 40, singly, with the addition of surmount team performances to win probity day-night Test match in Adelaide. The win in Adelaide out in the cold a 3–0 whitewash at fair, as the 2–1 defeat remarkable Smith's first series defeat imitate home.

After the Test entourage against South Africa, New Seeland played 3 ODIs in betwixt the two Test series overcome South Africa and Pakistan.

Check the first ODI, Steve Adventurer registered 164 runs at grandeur SCG, marking the highest ODI score at the ground, castigation the previous score of 162 set by AB De Villiers during the 2015 World Cup.^[173] He was awarded "man go in for the match". In the next ODI he made 72 runs and in Melbourne of honesty final ODI he was unemployed for a duck.

The Austronesian team won the contested Chappell–Hadlee Trophy 3–0 and returned leadership trophy to Australia.^[174]

Pakistan was regular to have three Test array and 5 ODIs. In say publicly first Test in Brisbane, Metalworker made 130 and 63 runs. His century in Brisbane considerable his 16th Test century wallet his first against Pakistan.

Notwithstanding Pakistan being bowled out financial assistance a low score of 142 in the first innings, Smith's captaincy tactics sparked a impure response from critics when honourableness on-field umpires made the put an end to to increase the fourth time evening session for another cardinal minutes, believing a result would be determined.^{[175][176][177]} Pakistan made cool 4th innings total of 450, as Australia won by 39 runs.

The second Test balance was held at the Town Cricket Ground and Smith next placed his seventeenth century, prestige fourth-fastest to do so squeeze also reaching 1000 runs multiply by two the calendar year—his third sequent achievement of this since 2014.^[178][179] Despite intermittent rain, Australia managed an unlikely victory into honesty last session of day cinque, resulting in a 2–0 be victorious for Australia.^[180] The final Copy at the Sydney Cricket Earth marked Steve Smith's 50th Choice match, as Australia whitewashed Pakistan 3–0 .

Following the depress, he was awarded "Man dressingdown the Series" after making spruce total of 441 runs—the swell in the series from both sides.^[181]

Smith was once again featured in ICC's 2016 Cricket Glory as a 12th man supportive of the ICC Test team interrupt the year.^[182] In the ODI Series against Pakistan, Smith skilful mixed results but played unornamented vital role, with Australia late ending up routing Pakistan 4–1.

On 19 January 2017, Steve Smith produced his 8th ODI century against Pakistan at description WACA Ground—becoming the quickest Aussie to reach 3000 ODI runs within 79 innings.^[183] Following birth home series, Smith was obliged to tour three ODI matches against New Zealand for grandeur Chappell–Hadlee Trophy but later unbroken a mild sprain to position medial ligament in his nautical port ankle, so he headed unexpected Dubai in preparation for grandeur upcoming four Test tour jump at India.^[184]

Tour of India 2017

Main article: Australian cricket team in Bharat in 2016–17

Following the training weightiness ICC's Cricket Academy Centre slender Dubai, Smith began the outing of India with a c in their maiden warm-up wage war in Mumbai.

He replicated sovereign ton in the first Nonstop in Pune where he arrive his first century in depiction Indian Subcontinent, accompanied by greatness support of his bowlers check in win their first Test likeness in India since 2004 near breaking India's 19 match unbowed streak, stretching back from 2012.^[185][186] Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle suffer other Indian Media rated Smith's third innings hundred at Pune as one of the cap ever by a visiting performer in India.^[187] The Wisden ostensible Smith's ton as an out of the question hundred on a minefield staff a pitch at Pune ring all other batsman from both sides struggled to get practised decent score.^[188]

In interpretation 3rd Test match in Ranchi, which is the first-ever Unswerving match hosted at this search out, Steve Smith scored yet alternate century, 178 not out. That is the third-highest score beside an Australian cricketer in Nibble matches played in India take up the highest by an Indweller Captain.^[189] In the fourth Grueling in Dharmasala, Smith scored 111 in the first innings which helped Australia to a eminent innings score of 300.

Coop the second innings, Smith affected a ball onto his stumps after scoring a rapid post threatening 17 runs off 15 balls.^[190] Smith was the maximum run scorer in the entourage, scoring 499 runs at apartment house average of 71.29, including leash centuries.^[191]

Ashes in Australia 2017–18

Main article: 2017–18 Ashes series

In the pull it off Test at Brisbane, Smith scored the first century of ethics series, 141*, which was her highness 21st Test century in monarch 105th innings—making him the third-quickest to score 21 Test centuries behind Donald Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar.^[192]

On 16 December 2017, Metalworker scored 239 in the valedictory Ashes match at the WACA Ground.

He was quick attain score his 22nd century fuming the WACA, his century cozy from 138 balls, including 16 fours and a six,^[193] earlier he converted that into top-notch career-best 239. It was enthrone second double-hundred and his leading as captain.

In the 4th Ashes test at Melbourne, Mormon continued his prodigious form as he scored 76 in authority first innings before he was bowled by England debutant Negro Curran, providing him with culminate first wicket in test cricket.

A series best 244* prep between England's Alastair Cook then tell stories Australia in a tense site that saw them trail insensitive to 164 at the start expend the fourth day. Coming guaranteed at 2/65 before lunch tinkle a rain affected day combine, Smith batted until the termination of play on day quint and scored yet another c finishing with a defiant 102* from 275 deliveries to drive Australia to a draw stream denying England of its cardinal victory in Australia since 2011.

Smith concluded the 2017 diary year with six centuries slab three fifties, along with principally average of 76.76 and natty total of 1,305 runs, depiction highest of any player put off year. During the final Explode match in Sydney, Smith reached the milestone of 6,000 Be evidence of runs in 111 innings, flatter the equal second-fastest player ahead also the youngest Australian, quickthinking to do so.^{[194][195][196]}

Smith garnered appeal to from opponent captain Joe Origin for leading the team carry too far the front, and in Root's opinion Smith was the dissimilarity between the two teams midst 2017–18 Ashes series.^[197][198] Smith was the highest run scorer delete the series, scoring 687 runs at an average of 137.40, including three centuries and mirror image fifties.^[199]

In 2017 Smith was awarded the ICC Test Player rejoice the Year award and forename in the ICC Test Band of the Year by nobility ICC.^[200][201] In February 2018 operate received the Allan Border Embellishment and Australian Test Player apply the Year award.^{[202][203][204][205]}

2018: Tour operate South Africa, ball-tampering incident nearby suspension

Tour of South Africa 2018

Main article: Australian cricket team razorsharp South Africa in 2017–18

Smith was rested for the T20 lean-to against New Zealand and England so he could prepare parade the South African Test series.^[206] The series was marred stop controversial incidents on and provoke field.

Australia won the cardinal Test by 118 runs^[207] peer Smith making scores of 56 and 38 runs.^[208] The elucidation was overshadowed by a stairwell confrontation between Australian vice flier David Warner and South Mortal wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock. Aloofness emerged showing Warner having toady to be physically restrained after speech were spoken between the two.^[209] This led to Smith take precedence opposing captain Faf du Plessis being called to a circlet with umpires and match authorities, where they were reminded chastisement their responsibility to control their teams.^[210] South Africa won class second Test by 6 wickets, with Smith's contributions being solitary 25 and 11 runs.^[211] Smith's diminishing returns with the wink and lower than average obstacle rate suggested that he haw have been struggling somewhat.^[212] Before the match South African whoosh bowler and player of glory match Kagiso Rabada was loose for the following Test rear 1 he made physical contact give up Smith after he dismissed him.^[213] Rabada successfully appealed the ban; a decision that annoyed Smith.^[214]

Ball-tampering incident and suspension

Main article: 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal

Australia lost by virtue of 322 runs in the tertiary Test, with Smith barely contributive to the score.^[215] However, leadership match result was overshadowed overtake illegal ball tampering by band of the Australian team nightmare the third day.

Cameron Bancroft, the second-youngest and most unworldly member of the team, was captured by television cameras secret using sandpaper to rough convalesce the cricket ball.^[216] He mistreatment hid the sandpaper in sovereign underwear before being confronted insensitive to the on-field umpires. When appearance the press conference at probity conclusion of the third day's play with Bancroft, Smith celebrated that the "leadership group" be snapped up the team discussed tampering garner the ball to influence picture result of the match nigh the lunch break.

He known that he was part provide the "leadership group" but frank not identify the other members.^[217] Smith and vice-captain David Tasty stood down from the company leadership the morning after primacy incident, but still played in the past, and wicketkeeper Tim Paine took over as interim captain in behalf of the rest of the Probation match.

Subsequently, match referee Exceptional Pycroft for the ICC criminal Smith for one Test engage in battle and fined him 100% look after his match fee. He bimanual Bancroft three demerit points extremity fined him 75% of circlet match fee.^[218]

Cricket Australia launched unmixed independent investigation, charging Smith rule bringing the game into blot.

He was suspended and kink home from the tour. Representation report stated that, while lighten up did not develop the system, Smith was found to imitate misled match officials and bareness, and as captain did call act to prevent it. Forbidden was therefore banned from come to blows international and domestic cricket quandary 12 months starting from 29 March 2018.

He was along with debarred from consideration for teeming team leadership role for double-cross additional 12 months. Warner abide Bancroft also received bans. Sculpturer also had his contract additional the Rajasthan Royals IPL company for the 2018 season done by the Board of Catch for Cricket in India style a consequence of the sanctions.^[219]

Smith arrived in Sydney on 29 March.

In a press congress at Sydney Airport, a weeping Smith started by saying focus he had nothing to limb to Cricket Australia's report. Significant said that as captain guide the Australian cricket team, inaccuracy took full responsibility (even notwithstanding that he did not devise dignity plan to change the stipulation of the ball or in actuality perform the act), and focus he had made a sedate error in judgement: "It was a failure of leadership, futile leadership." As well as apologising to his "