However, there exists a parallel universe where Smith dons the Three Lions on his chest instead of the baggy green cap on his head. The well-known story of Smith’s time playing club cricket for Sevenoaks Vine in 2007 is worth mentioning.
With appearances in the Second XI for Kent and Surrey, there was a possibility of a career in county cricket and even representing England, owing to his English mother.
“My mum still has an English accent,” says Smith. “The roots are there, but my allegiance is to Australia. Australia has always been my home, and it’s where I wanted to play. Luckily, I received a rookie contract at New South Wales. Many of my heroes were playing there at the time, so it wasn’t a difficult decision.”
Just three years after his stint with Sevenoaks, Smith found himself playing Test cricket. However, he was not the immovable fidgety batter he has become known as, but rather Australia’s latest attempt to fill the unfillable void left by Shane Warne.
In the 2010 match against Pakistan, Smith batted at number eight and bowled 21 overs of leg-spin, taking three wickets. According to his recollection, he was one of 14 spinners Australia experimented with between the great Warne and the current number one, Nathan Lyon.
“I primarily bowled to be as involved in the game as possible,” he explains. “I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play a few Tests. Batting was always my true desire.”
And bat he has done. Smith has piled up mountains of runs with a method that is almost impossible to replicate. Even he cannot fully explain the idiosyncratic movements he makes. His flamboyant ticks and leaves resemble a matador taunting a bull.
He traverses the crease and effortlessly guides deliveries into the leg side, often defying the laws of geometry. Yet, with all his moving parts, Smith manages to adopt an impenetrable position. His cover drive, back-foot punch, and pull shot rival those of anyone in the game.
“When I look back at the footage, I wonder what I was doing in those moments,” he says. “It’s good that I don’t know what I’m doing when I’m out there. I simply let my natural instincts take over. Usually, when I play those flamboyant leaves and such, I’m in a good mental space.”
Smith personifies the timeless cricket adage that it’s not about how you do it, but how many runs you score. And he has scored more than most. One could argue that he is the most insatiable run-getter of his generation.
With a career average of 59.56, Smith boasts the highest average among current players with a minimum of 20 Test innings. Only five players in Test history have higher averages. Furthermore, his 32 centuries are more than any other active player.
If we were to consider a Big Four consisting of Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli, Smith’s average being five runs higher than the next best in that quartet, Williamson, suggests that there is truly a Big One.
Smith is a batting fanatic, with legendary tales of marathon net sessions and practicing shadow batting in full kit.
“I love every aspect of batting. I enjoy practicing, going to the nets, and discovering new ways to play,” says Smith.
“Receiving new bats feels like Christmas morning every time. I have a couple of bats coming this week, so I’m quite excited about that.”