Australian batting star Steve Smith is gearing up to face South Africa’s formidable pace attack in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. The 36-year-old enters the final rejuvenated, composed, and primed to deliver his best cricket – a state he hasn’t consistently achieved recently. This renewed energy stems from a rare, but deliberate, break from the sport. Following Australia’s semi-final defeat in the Champions Trophy, Smith stepped away from One Day Internationals (ODIs). Instead of immediately focusing on Test preparations, he took a break of over two months, visiting New York and consciously avoiding bat practice. Smith revealed in London, “I’d normally have a bat laying around the house, doing a bit of shadow batting without even realising. But I made a decision to put it away. I didn’t touch a bat until our first hit here.” He added, “My first hit felt strangely good. Usually it goes: good, awful, then I find rhythm. But both sessions were really solid. Everything just clicked into place.” This hiatus, a deviation from his usual diligent practice, evidently paid off. He also adopted a new fitness regimen, working with a private coach in New York to enhance his power and flexibility. “I feel as strong as I’ve been since maybe 2014,” Smith stated. “My hips are in great shape, I’m getting lower – that’ll help in the slips too. It’s probably the best I’ve felt physically in years.” While he feels capable of opening the batting, Smith acknowledged his performance in the few games he did open wasn’t exceptional. With his vast experience, he considers batting to be akin to riding a bike, suggesting he is currently in fine form. Smith has scored 4 centuries in 5 Test matches and will bat at his preferred No. 4 spot. With Cameron Green at No. 3 and Marnus Labuschagne opening with Usman Khawaja, Smith is poised to be a key support pillar as Australia aims to retain its WTC title. Facing South Africa’s powerful bowling unit, especially in the seaming conditions at Lord’s, will be a significant challenge, but Smith is approaching the contest with quiet confidence and a refreshed mindset.
