Steve Smith Gears Up for WTC Final Against South Africa

Steve Smith Prepares for the Challenge

Steve Smith, Australia's star batter, is set to face South Africa's formidable pace attack in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. At 36 years old, Smith enters this crucial match feeling rejuvenated and ready to showcase his best performance, a version of himself that has been absent for a while. This renewed vigor follows a deliberate break from cricket.

After Australia's semi-final exit in the Champions Trophy, Smith made the decision to step back from One Day Internationals (ODIs). Instead of diving straight into Test match preparations, he opted for a break lasting over two months, during which he traveled to New York and refrained from batting, marking a conscious reset.

In London this week, Smith shared, "I usually have a bat around the house, practicing shadow batting without even thinking about it. But I chose to put it away and didn’t touch a bat until our first practice here."

Reflecting on his initial practice session, he remarked, "It felt surprisingly good. Typically, it goes: good, bad, then I find my rhythm. But both sessions were solid, and everything just fell into place."

Known for his rigorous training routines, this break was a significant shift for Smith, but it evidently yielded positive results. Upon returning to the crease, his movements felt instinctive. Alongside this break, Smith also embraced a new fitness regimen, collaborating with a private coach in New York to boost his strength and flexibility.

"I feel as strong as I have since around 2014," he stated. "My hips are in excellent condition, and I’m getting lower, which will aid my performance in the slips. I’ve never felt this physically fit in years."

"I still believe I could open the batting," he added. "However, I didn’t perform exceptionally in the four matches I played. Nowadays, anyone in the top four could be in and out quickly."

"Having hit countless balls throughout my career, it’s like riding a bike," he concluded. "And right now, everything is running smoothly."

Smith has achieved four centuries in five Test matches and will bat at his favored No. 4 position, with Cameron Green at No. 3 and Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja. Although he briefly opened earlier this season after David Warner's retirement, it wasn't the best fit for him. Now comfortably positioned in the middle order, Smith is poised to be a crucial asset as Australia aims to defend their WTC title.

Facing South Africa's strong bowling lineup, led by Kagiso Rabada, particularly in the challenging conditions at Lord's, will be a significant test. However, Smith approaches this challenge with a calm confidence, stemming not from routine but from a refreshed mindset.