Following a challenging performance in the initial Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston, Steve Smith made a triumphant return to form at Lord’s by registering his 32nd Test century.
Entering the crease with Australia’s scorecard displaying 96-2, Smith once again exhibited a remarkable innings under pressure, defying hostile conditions, breaking several records along the way.
With 110 runs off 184 deliveries, including 15 boundaries, Smith capitalized on a few loose deliveries from the English bowlers at the beginning of his innings.
His brilliance enabled the visitors to post a substantial total of 416 runs in the first innings.
“According to Virat Kohli, Steve Smith is the finest Test batsman of our generation”.
Steve Smith averages 87.24 when batting first in a Test, with more hundreds than any other player 😯#ENGvAUS | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/hA26HfYyVW
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 30, 2023
This outstanding performance serves as a reminder that Smith is undoubtedly the finest Test batter of his generation, significantly outshining his competitors.
Let’s explore three compelling reasons that support this claim:
1. Bradman-like Average
Smith’s astonishing average of 59.73 is a testament to his greatness. Having played 99 Tests, his performance is backed by a substantial sample size.
In the longest format of the game, the 34-year-old surpasses his rivals Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson.
Root maintains an average of 50.58 in 132 Tests, Kohli 48.73 in 109, and Williamson 54.89 in 94 matches.
While they boast commendable records, Smith operates on an entirely different level when it comes to Test cricket.
Kohli himself acknowledged this fact in a recent interview with the ICC before the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
2. Performed Well In All Conditions
Unlike some of his counterparts who struggle in specific countries, Steve Smith has excelled in all conditions.
His average stands at 64.51 in Australia, 59.24 in England, and 50.31 in India. Notably, his average dips below 40 only in Bangladesh, where he has participated in just two Tests.
Smith’s prowess in England was evident during the 2019 Ashes series. Additionally, he demonstrated resilience on demanding pitches in India when other players faltered in 2017.
Countries such as Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, and New Zealand have also witnessed the brilliance of this remarkable cricketer.
3. Unmatched Consistency
Since cementing his place in the Test side in 2013, Steve Smith has consistently churned out runs. In consecutive years from 2014 to 2017, he achieved impressive averages of 81.86, 73.70, 71.93, and 76.76, respectively.
His average exceeded 70 in 2019 and remained above 50 in 2021 and 2022. The only two years where his average fell below his standards were 2018 and 2020, primarily due to his limited game time for various reasons.
Even this year, Smith maintains an average close to 50, which could further improve considering his current form.
Notably, he delivered a century in the WTC Final against India and has now replicated that achievement in the Ashes as well.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
