Steve Smith is one of the greatest batsmen in the history of Test cricket. He has scored over 8,000 runs in 128 Tests at an average of 57.02, with 27 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Smith is a master of all formats of cricket, but he has been particularly dominant in Test cricket.
One of the most remarkable things about Smith’s batting is his ability to succeed at any batting position. He has batted at every position from number three to number six in Test cricket and has succeeded at each position.
In his first 50 Tests, Smith batted at number four most of the time. He averaged 58.33 at number four, with 13 centuries and 11 half-centuries. In 2019, Smith was promoted to number three and continued to be successful in that position. He averaged 61.90 at number three, with 12 centuries and 12 half-centuries.
In 2023, Smith was again promoted to number five and has continued success in that position. He averages 56.50 at number five, with three centuries and five half-centuries.
Smith’s success at any batting position is a testament to his incredible batting ability. He can adapt his game to any situation and score runs against any bowling.
Statistics support Smith’s ability to succeed at any batting position
The statistics support Smith’s ability to succeed at any batting position. In Test cricket, Smith has scored 10 centuries and 12 half-centuries at number three, 13 centuries and 11 half-centuries at number four, and three centuries and five half-centuries at number five.
Smith’s batting strike rate is also awe-inspiring at all three positions. He has a strike rate of 52.61 at number three, 55.22 at number four, and 58.57 at number five.
Smith’s success at any batting position is a significant advantage for Australia:
Smith’s ability to succeed at any batting position is a significant advantage for Australia. It gives the Australian team flexibility in their batting order and allows them to tailor their batting order to the conditions of the pitch.
For example, if the pitch is helpful for fast bowlers, Australia could promote Smith to number three or four to give him more time to score runs. If the pitch is helpful for spin bowlers, Australia could keep Smith at number five to let him build an innings.
Smith’s ability to succeed at any batting position makes him one of the most valuable batters in the world. He is a significant asset to the Australian team and is a crucial reason Australia is one of the most successful Test teams in the world.
Conclusion
Steve Smith is a genuinely remarkable batsman. He can succeed at any batting position and is a significant asset to the Australian team. Smith’s ability to adapt his game to any situation makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the world.