Know Your Player – Steve Smith

Cricketing milestones, rise through the ranks, trials and tribulations and their glamorous lifestyles – we cover it all in ‘Know Your Player’, a brand-new section aimed at keeping you updated with everything you need to know! In this edition, we take a look at Mr. Consistent, Steve Smith. Keep watching this space for a new superstar every time!

The Beginning

Born in Sydney, Smith fell in love with the game of cricket at an early age. His potential as a leg-spinning all-rounder was there for all to see, being a member of the Australia U-19 team in 2008. He was fast-tracked into the team due to his ability as a leg-spinner who could bat lower down the order. But no one could have predicted his evolution into one of the greatest batters of the modern era.

IPL exploits

One of the best batsmen of the current era, Steve Smith is yet to taste similar success in the Indian Premier League. Although he has a tremendous average of around 36, his strike hovers around 130. His only IPL century came in the 2016 season. Smith is currently leading the Rajasthan Royals team in the IPL.

The Rise

The Comeback

Smith had to endure one of the most disgraceful falls, as he was banned for a year in 2018 by Cricket Australia for his role in the ball-tampering saga. He was also stripped from his captaincy duties. But his comeback into international cricket was sensational, as he plundered 774 runs against England, as Australia retained the Ashes.

Off the Field

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Smith is one of the highest-paid cricketers in the world due to his lucrative contracts with Cricket Australia and Rajasthan Royals. He met his future wife Dani Willis in 2011. The pair got engaged in New York in 2017 before tying the knot the following year.