(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Australia cricket stalwart Steve Smith, widely regarded as one of the finest Test cricketers of the current generation, openly acknowledged his subpar performance throughout 2023. Despite facing a dip in form, Smith maintains a positive outlook, focusing on the imminent three-Test series against Pakistan, commencing this Thursday in Perth.
In the ongoing year, Smith’s batting figures in major tournaments – Australia’s tour to India, the Ashes 2023, and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – reveal scores of 145, 373, and 302 runs, accompanied by averages of 29, 37.30, and 33.55 respectively.
The 34-year-old, known for his unorthodox batting style, admitted to falling short of his own high standards but expresses hope for a resurgence in the upcoming Test series.
“I don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I’ve performed at a high standard for a long period of time. (But) you’re right – I was probably below my standards of what I want. For me, it’s about not overthinking it, not overplaying too much, not changing too much. Just going out and trusting what I do and doing it for longer periods of time, hopefully to get the big runs and hopefully help our team have success,” Smith said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The Sydney-born emphasized the importance of the break following the ODI World Cup’s conclusion on November 19. Feeling refreshed and mentally prepared, Smith is eager to make a mark in red-ball cricket during the Australian summer, sharing that retirement is not in his mind currently.
“I just take it day by day and enjoy my time playing. And while I’m enjoying it I’ll keep playing. I’m not in any hurry to make any decisions or anything. I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to the summer,” Smith added.
“It’s been a busy, busy year. I certainly needed a little break after the World Cup. It was good to have a week at home, and relax and refresh the mind and body as much as possible to get ready for this series. But now I feel like I’m in a good place. I think the boys feel like they’re in a good place and are keen to get out and play some red-ball cricket again.”
Smith also acknowledged the importance of occasional breaks to maintain mental well-being and perform at the international level.
“It can be challenging with quite a busy schedule, but any sort of moment you can get to have a few days or a week just to get away from the game and get your mental side back to a position where you can go out and perform internationally, it’s important,” Smith concluded.