Smith reveals the secrets of his success

Source: PTI

April 20, 2015 17:23 IST

Steven Smith raises his bat after completing his half-century. Photograph: BCCI

Australia's Steven Smith, attributed his success to calmness and the repetitive process of getting ready for on-field battle.

"Probably, just my patience and preparations. I am preparing the same way for every game, making sure I am doing the same things over and over with my routines," Smith said.

"When I get out in the middle I am starting the same each time and trying to build an innings, give myself a chance before I start playing any big shots. That's probably the secret to my success," he explained.

Smith, the scourge of India's bowlers on the recent tour to Australia, when he scored four centuries and two half centuries in the four-Test rubber in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, felt the exposure of playing against Indian bowlers helped a lot in his preparations.

"We knew what to expect from Indian bowlers. A lot of their bowlers, I have seen quite a bit. It's part of international cricket. It was just one of those things that every time I came up against them I managed to get some runs. It was a good (Australian) summer for me," he said modestly.

Australia's Steven Smith hits a boundary. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The good summer fetched Smith a whopping 769 runs at an average of 128.

His four Test tons included 192 runs in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a match he captained. Smith, who captained the side after the first Test following a severe hamstring injury sustained by regular captain Michael Clarke, complimented the Indian side for giving his team a tough fight and singled out speedsters Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav as bowlers with potential.

"They (India) are a very good cricket side. They have got some good young bowlers coming though. I think Varun Aaron was one that really impressed me. The pace and aggression I guess he showed throughout was really good. Umesh Yadav was another one that's got a lot of potential as well," said Smith who scored a ton in each of the four Tests.

Smith also excelled in the subsequent World Cup by logging 402 runs in 8 games at a superb average of 67.

The 25-year-old middle order batsman, who started his career as a leg spinner before becoming a top class willow wielder, also credited T20 cricket -- like the Indian Premier League in which he currently plays for Rajasthan Royals – for developing the art of pacing his innings in the shorter formats.

Rajasthan Royals captain Steven Smith celebrates a wicket with teammates. Photograph: BCCI

"I enjoy playing any cricket. T20 cricket is great for cricket. It has certainly taught me a lot, particularly about pacing my innings when it comes to limited overs forms of the game and I think IPL has been great for that as well."

"The youngsters get lot of opportunity to play in similar situations. It's a terrific learning curve for any young player."

Asked about Rajasthan’s chances of claiming the IPL crown for the second time, Smith expressed optimism.

"Yes, we have always got that belief. We started the competition well, being five (wins) from five (games). So, hopefully we can continue to play some good cricket and play our best cricket, come the business end (play-offs)," he said.

Smith, who led the Royals in the first four games of IPL 8, when Shane Watson sat out, played safe when queried about the likelihood of him taking over the captaincy from Clarke who has already retired from ODIs after leading Australia to their fourth World Cup crown.

"It's up to the selectors and the Board (Cricket Australia) back home. It was a really enjoyable experience to captain Australia in Michael's absence. I learnt a lot. It was a terrific experience with a lot of leadership group around (to help)," he said.