June 4, 2025 – One net session was all it took for Steve Smith to feel ready for battle again. After months away from cricket, the legendary Australian batter stunned even himself with how quickly things clicked.
“I walked out of my first hit and told Ron [Andrew McDonald], ‘Can we play tomorrow? I’m ready to go,’” Smith said, chuckling. “I hadn’t hit a ball since missing that full toss off Mohammed Shami in the Champions Trophy.”
For most players, such readiness might not raise eyebrows. But for Smith—a batter famously obsessed with meticulous preparation—it marked a shift in approach. “Normally, my first hit’s good, second is awful, and then I get better. But this time, both were good straight away,” he added, still surprised at the smooth return.
🏏 A New Preparation Philosophy
The 36-year-old star spent over two months in New York after the World Test Championship, deliberately avoiding his bat—a rare move for someone who typically shadows bats around the house. “I made a conscious decision to let it go for a while,” he said. “I didn’t pick up a bat until that first hit here.”
This is all part of a bigger change Smith has made in the past 18 months: detaching from cricket’s constant intensity and giving his mind time to breathe.
He’s also altered his training routines. “I’ve tried to hit fewer balls over the last couple of years,” he explained. “I’ve hit so many in my career, and it’s about being mentally sharp in the middle, not exhausting yourself in the nets.”
🔥 On a Red-Hot Run of Form
Despite less practice, Smith is in red-hot form. He has scored four centuries in his last five Tests and appears to be nearing his best again—just in time for Australia’s crucial upcoming Test against South Africa at Lord’s.
Asked if this is the most comfortable phase of his life, Smith paused and agreed. “I haven’t felt under real pressure for a long time. Maybe just after Adelaide last year, when external chatter was loud. But since then, I’ve just taken things day by day.”
💪 Stronger Than Ever – Physically and Mentally
While in New York, Smith trained with Australian personal trainer Nick Herod, focusing on strength and mobility. “I feel as strong as I’ve been since maybe 2014. My hips are great, and I’m getting lower—should help in the slips,” he said.
He’s also worked on other aspects of life. Golf, a sport he picked up only recently, plays a big role in his mental rejuvenation. “Mentally, it ruins me,” Smith joked. “But it’s a cool game. We had a great team bonding trip to Scotland—helped bring everyone together.”
Though Marnus Labuschagne and Smith are known for endless cricket chats, Smith confirms there’s room for other topics now. “No, absolutely not. I’ve got to have time for something else,” he laughs.
👑 Smith 2.0: Focused, Relaxed, and Still Hungry
The new Steve Smith doesn’t spend hours grinding in the nets, but he’s more prepared than ever. His experience, confidence, and renewed mental energy make him a key figure in Australia’s setup—especially heading into a busy Test season.
“If he delivers like his choice of dogs—he owns a Labrador—then his plans could be just as big,” fans would hope. One thing is certain: the fire to compete at the highest level still burns bright in Smith.
As the iconic Lord’s Test looms, don’t be surprised if Smith walks out and once again shows why he’s one of the greatest Test cricketers of this generation—perhaps better than ever, with fewer balls faced but sharper intent.
