When Steve Smith arrived on the International scene in 2010 as a 20-year-old, very few knew he would become a big star in Australian cricket. Smith is amongst the finest modern-day batsman who has highlighted his class with the bat and a skipper. The right-hander started as a leg spinner but became a successful batsman. Smith showcased clever cricketing sense in all three formats as the full-time skipper.
He took over the captaincy from Michael Clarke in late 2015. His adaptability in different conditions, awareness of the cricketing scenarios, and clever field placements for different formats were amazing. Although he didn’t win any ICC event, he could think out of the box with his awareness to read the situation of a particular game, the opposition batsman’s technique and implement plans with the bowling changes. He consulted his seniors while making changes in the field. He brought the best out of an ordinary player.
He always had a backup option when changing the batting order as per the situation, bringing in the extra fielders inside the ring or placing an extra fielder at the boundary. His biggest strength was his clarity and prudency in his decision-making.
In this post, we will discuss his captaincy records in all formats.
| FORMAT | MATCHES | WON | LOST | DRAW | TIE | N/R | WIN% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 38 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 55.26 |
| ODI | 58 | 30 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 51.72 |
| T20I | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
Steve Smith Captaincy Record In Tests
The former captain made his Test debut in July 2010 against Pakistan.
Steve Smith led the side in 38 Tests: winning 21, losing 10, and ending 7 in draws.
He showcased solid temperament when it came to his tough decision-making as far as selecting the playing eleven or even it was dropping any player due to poor form. Smith learned the tricks while playing under Michael Clarke, as playing under him made him more aware of the top teams playing style in modern-day cricket in the longer format.
Smith had an impressive record as a skipper in Tests but gave up captaincy to concentrate on his batting. In the 2023 Border Gavaskar Trophy and the ODI series, captain Pat Cummins had to leave mid-way due to personal problems. Smith led the side and showcased clever game sense, although Australia lost the Test series.
Smith is the four Australian skipper after Richie Benaud, Ian Johnson and Adam Gilchrist to win two Test matches in India.
Steve Smith Captaincy Record In ODIs
Smith made his ODI debut against West Indies in February 2010.
He has captained Australia in 54 ODIs: won 27 and lost 24. Three games concluded with no result.
Although Smith didn’t win an ICC event in the 50-over format as captain, his quick thinking, especially in the middle overs, was effective when operating a spinner from one end and a pacer from the other on slow wickets. He also kept the opposition batters guessing with the combination of a spinner and a seamer who was penetrative with the old ball.
Steve Smith Captaincy Records in T20Is
Steve Smith made his T20I debut against Pakistan in February 2010. As a skipper, Smith captained Australia in just 8 T20Is, but his success rate is 50 % which is relatively not bad. He won 4 T20Is as a skipper and lost 4.
Steve Smith Batting Records As Captain And Non-Captain
| FORMAT | MATCHES | RUNS | 50s | 100s | AVG | HS | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 38 | 3867 | 14 | 15 | 66.67 | 239 | 55.43 |
| ODI | 58 | 2096 | 13 | 5 | 43.66 | 164 | 85.16 |
| T20I | 8 | 242 | 2 | 0 | 34.57 | 90 | 134.44 |
Steve Smith has had an impressive batting record as a skipper and a non-skipper in Tests. In fact, his numbers are much better while playing as a captain.
In 37 Tests as skipper, Smith scored 3867 runs with an average of 66.67, registering 15 centuries and 14 half-centuries with a highest score of 239. As non-captain, Smith has scored 4925 runs in 58 Tests averaging 55.33, registering 15 centuries and 23 half-centuries with a highest score of 215.
While captaining the side in ODIs, Smith has scored 2006 runs averaging 44.57, registering 5 centuries and 12 half-centuries with a highest score of 164 and a strike rate of 84.82. His performances as non-captain are equally impressive, with 2933 runs in 88 ODIs with a highest score of 131, an average of 45.12 and a strike rate of 89.55. He has registered 7 centuries and 17 half-centuries as a non-captain in ODIs.
Smith’s records as a batsman in the shorter formats highlight his adaptability and class in all formats. He has scored 766 runs in 55 T20Is with a strike rate of 122.56, registering 2 half centuries with the highest score of an unbeaten 80. In 8 T20Is as skipper, the right-hander scored 242 runs with a highest score of 90 and a strike rate of 134.44, registering 2 half centuries.
Check: List of Steve Smith Centuries in ODI and Tests
The Wrap
Steve Smith carried forward the momentum when it came to leading Australia. Australia has produced great captains like Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Smith, showcasing the same calibre as a skipper.
Apart from being a fine batsman and a skipper Smith has been a leader in his lightning-quick fielding. Smith has surely been a match-winning performer with his all-round capabilities for Australian cricket.
