From a leg-spinner to one of the world’s leading batsman, Steven Smith continues to represent Australia national cricket team with consistent to broke more cricket records. In this article, we will break down his stats, records, family stories, net worth, and also his controversy.
Summary & Key Takeaways
ShowSteve Smith: A Leading Australia Batsman
Steve Smith, born on June 2, 1989, in Kogarah, Sydney, is an acclaimed Australian cricketer known for his remarkable batting prowess.
Initially making waves as a right-arm leg spinner, Smith evolved into a batting genius, often compared to the legendary Don Bradman.
His cricket journey is marked by significant milestones and achievements that have cemented his place as one of cricket’s contemporary greats.
Early Life and Personal Information
Born to an Australian father and an English mother, Smith’s cricket journey began early. He left school at 17 to play cricket in England, showcasing his talent at club cricket for Sevenoaks Vine in the Kent Cricket League, which led to a selection for Surrey’s second XI.
Youth and Domestic Career
Smith’s domestic career kickstarted with his participation in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, where he scored 114 runs and took seven wickets in four matches.
Making his first-class debut in 2008 for New South Wales against Western Australia, Smith demonstrated his potential both as a batsman and a bowler.
His all-round capabilities were further highlighted in the 2009 Twenty20 Champions League, contributing to New South Wales’ victory.
Big Bash League
Smith’s T20 career began in the KFC Big Bash competition in 2008, playing for New South Wales. He emerged as a leading wicket-taker in the tournament and was the second-best player of the event.
In the subsequent Big Bash League, he joined the Sydney Sixers, leading them to victory in the inaugural season and showcasing his all-round skills.
His remarkable form in the Big Bash League led to his recruitment by the Pune Warriors India in the Indian Premier League.
Indian Premier League
Smith’s IPL journey has been eventful, starting with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010.
He has played for multiple teams, including Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Pune Warriors India, showcasing his batting and leadership skills.
Smith was eventually bought by the Rajasthan Royals and later named their captain, though his tenure was marked by controversy and challenges.
International Career
Smith debuted internationally in a T20I against Pakistan in 2010. He made his mark in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 as a leg-spinner, taking 11 wickets in seven matches.
Smith’s Test debut came in the same year against Pakistan. Initially selected for his bowling, he soon made a name for himself as a batsman, with notable performances in the 2010–11 Ashes series.
Following a two-year absence from Tests, Smith returned in 2013 against India, cementing his place as a top-order batsman.
Breakthrough and Return (2013–15)
Smith’s significant comeback occurred during the 2013 tour of India and the Ashes series against England. His batting evolved, and he produced notable innings, including his maiden Test century at The Oval.
He continued his form in the 2013–14 Ashes series in Australia, adapting his batting technique to counter short-pitched bowling, leading to his first Test century on home soil.
Tour of South Africa and World Cup 2015
In the 2014 tour of South Africa, Smith scored his fourth Test century, contributing significantly to Australia’s series win.
He played a vital role in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, becoming Australia’s highest run-scorer in the tournament, with performances that included a century against India in the semi-finals and a crucial innings in the final against New Zealand.
Steven Smith: Each Records Which Broken
Steven Smith, a prominent figure in Australian cricket, has established himself as one of the game’s most accomplished players.
His international career, spanning from 2010 to 2023, is marked by numerous records and achievements across all formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20s. Here’s an in-depth look at some of his significant records:
Top Records
Test Matches
- Most player-of-the-match awards: Ranked 10th with 13 awards.
- Most runs in a series by a captain: 9th position with 687 runs.
- Highest career batting average: 9th position with an average of 58.61.
- Unique Achievements: Includes scoring a hundred in each innings of a match, two unbeaten fifties in a match, and a hundred and a duck in a match.
- Fastest to 8000 runs: Achieved in just 151 matches, a record.
- Most catches in an innings: A record with 5 catches.
- Dual Achievement: Amassed 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Most runs in an innings by a captain: 9th position with 164 runs.
- Most hundreds in a series: 7th position with 3 hundreds.
- Dual Achievement: Accumulated 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals.
- Highest partnership for the third wicket: 3rd position with a partnership of 242 runs.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Notable Fielding Record: 3rd position for the most catches by a substitute in an innings with 2 catches.
Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records
- Hundreds in consecutive matches: 4th position with 4 hundreds.
- Fifties in consecutive innings: 3rd position with 7 fifties.
- Most catches in career: 9th position with 291 catches.
Test Records in Detail
Batting
- Most runs in career: 15th position with 9320 runs.
- Most hundreds in a career: 11th position with 32 hundreds.
- Fastest to various run milestones: Including the fastest to 7000 and 8000 runs.
- Most hundreds against one team: 3rd position with 12 hundreds against a single opponent.
Fielding
- Most catches in career: 10th position with 168 catches.
ODI Records in Detail
Batting
- Highest career batting average: 47th position with an average of 43.54.
- Most hundreds in a career: 39th position with 12 hundreds.
Fielding
- Most catches in career: 49th position with 84 catches.
T20I Records in Detail
Batting
- Most runs in an innings by a captain: 35th position with 90 runs.
Fielding
- Most catches in career: 24th position with 40 catches.
Steve Smith’s Family: A Close-Knit Circle of Support
Steve Smith, a celebrated figure in the world of cricket, hails from a family that blends Australian and English heritage. His journey, marked by significant accomplishments on the cricket field, has its roots in a supportive family environment.
Family Origins
Steve Smith was born Steven Peter Devereux Smith on June 2, 1989, in Kogarah, Sydney, New South Wales.
He was born into a Christian household, inheriting Australian citizenship from his father and English citizenship from his mother, reflecting the family’s diverse cultural background.
Parents
- Peter Smith, an Australian, worked as a chemist. He played a pivotal role in Steve’s life, including moments of tough love during Steve’s involvement in the cricketing scandal, demonstrating the family’s deep connection to the sport and its values.
- Mother: Gillian Smith, of English descent, was a homemaker. Her background contributed to Steve’s dual citizenship and the option for him to choose between playing for England or Australia in his cricketing career.
Siblings
Kristie Smith, Steve’s elder sister, grew up alongside him in Sydney. Despite her brother’s international fame, Kristie has maintained a low profile.
Apart from her connection to the sport, Kristie is known for her interests in photography and scuba diving, adding layers to her personal pursuits outside the cricketing world of her brother.
Wife and Marriage
Dani Willis, a lawyer by profession and former athlete (swimmer and polo player). Steve and Dani met in 2011 and married on September 15, 2018, after a six-year relationship.
Dani, born on January 17, 1991, in Sydney, pursued a dual degree in Commerce and Law at Macquarie University. The couple does not have any children yet.
Steve Smith’s Net Worth Potrait
Steve Smith, the acclaimed Australian cricketer, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also in terms of his financial achievements.
As of 2023, Steve Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This impressive sum is a result of his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and investments.
Smith earns over $3 million annually, including a significant salary from Cricket Australia. His endorsement deals contribute significantly to his wealth, including partnerships with brands like Fitbit, Gillette, Commonwealth Bank, Weet Bix, and New Balance.
Despite not being auctioned in the 2022 IPL, Smith’s total IPL earnings amount to approximately INR 47.8 crores.
Steve Smith: Navigating Through Controversy
Steve Smith, one of the finest cricketers from Australia, has experienced his share of controversies, most notably the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which significantly impacted his career.
Ball-Tampering Scandal – 2018
In March 2018, during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper.
Steve Smith, the team captain, and vice-captain David Warner were found to be involved. This led to unprecedented sanctions from Cricket Australia.
Smith and Warner received a twelve-month suspension from all international and domestic cricket and were barred from leadership roles for at least a year post-suspension.
Bancroft received a nine-month suspension. Smith was found to have known of the plan and failed to prevent it, instructing Bancroft to conceal the sandpaper.
This scandal drew widespread criticism and disappointment, including from Australia’s Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
Cricket Australia conducted its investigation, leading to the suspension of the three players and their removal from the Test team.
Aftermath and Acceptance of Sanctions
In the wake of the scandal, Smith and Warner stepped down from their IPL captaincy roles, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) barred them from participating in the 2018 IPL.
Subsequently, Smith confirmed he would not challenge the sanctions imposed by Cricket Australia, accepting full responsibility for his actions as team captain.
This acceptance and willingness to take responsibility were echoed by his teammates involved in the incident.
Anything You Need to Know about Steve Smith
How many centuries did Steve Smith have in all formats?
Steve Smith has scored 44 international centuries across all formats of cricket. He has scored 32 centuries in Test cricket, 12 centuries in ODI cricket, and 1 century in T20I cricket.
Does Steve Smith have a wife?
Yes, Steve Smith is married to Dani Willis. The couple married in 2018.
Why Steve Smith is not playing IPL 2023?
Steve Smith is not playing in the IPL 2023 because he is currently playing in the English County Championship for Surrey. He signed a short-term contract with Surrey in order to get some match practice before the Ashes series against England later this year.
