Steve Smith

Australian cricket batsman widely regarded as one of the finest Test players of his generation with distinctive unorthodox technique and exceptional averages

Steven Peter Devereux Smith was born in Kogarah, New South Wales in 1989. He is the most technically prolific Test batsman of his era. He averaged 76.74 in Ashes cricket against England — the highest of any batsman in the history of the rivalry. He was suspended from cricket for 12 months following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town — known as Sandpaper Gate — in which he admitted awareness of the plan to use sandpaper on the ball, making him complicit as captain. He returned from the ban in 2019 and immediately averaged over 60 in the Ashes. He was involved in the controversy that ended David Warner's captaincy and career simultaneously.

Smith is known for his unorthodox batting technique featuring unique movements at the crease, including shuffling across his stumps and distinctive trigger movements. Despite his unconventional method, he possesses exceptional hand-eye coordination and an ability to score runs in all conditions. His mental strength and concentration allow him to build large innings consistently.

Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of his generation, revolutionizing batting with his unique technique and proving that orthodox methods aren't always necessary for success at the highest level.

• ICC Test Cricketer of Year 3x
• Ashes winner multiple
• World Test Championship 2023