Brisbane, Australia – The hallowed turf of the Gabba, a venue synonymous with Australian cricketing dominance, recently witnessed a performance that will undoubtedly send ripples across the cricketing world, particularly to shores north of the equator. Steven Smith, the architect of many an English cricketing nightmare, returned from a two-month sabbatical with a breathtaking 118 for New South Wales, effectively serving a potent, meticulously crafted warning shot to England ahead of the impending Ashes series.
After an uncharacteristic six-week hiatus spent far from the cricketing crease in the bustling metropolis of New York – a period during which he reportedly didn`t even pick up a bat – Smith demonstrated why he remains one of the game`s most unique and formidable talents. His seamless transition from urban explorer to batting maestro was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the initial rain-induced wash-out on day one of the Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland, Smith wasted no time in making his presence felt.
His innings didn`t start with a bang, but rather a methodical purr. The first 21 deliveries he faced were dots, a testament perhaps to his initial reintegration, or more likely, a calculated assessment of the Gabba pitch and the Queensland attack. Yet, the moment he elegantly on-drove Sam Skelly to the boundary, a familiar, almost ominous rhythm began to emerge. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression: a flurry of drives and pull shots that transformed the Gabba into his personal batting playground. The 36-year-old, just three weeks out from leading Australia in the first Test in Perth in place of the injured Pat Cummins, looked utterly at ease, every stroke imbued with intent and precision.
Indeed, 86 of his 118 runs were dispatched across the boundary ropes, a striking statistic that underscores his dominance. A powerful six down the ground off Mitchell Swepson, followed by a trio of boundaries off James Bazley – two through the covers and one a classic straight drive – showcased the full spectrum of his exquisite timing and power. Smith`s somewhat unconventional philosophy of requiring “only two hits in the nets” to prepare for a summer was not just validated; it was proclaimed in no uncertain terms as he brought up his century off 158 balls with a drive off Tom Straker. The message to England was clear: the prodigal son has returned, and he’s in prime form.
Steven Smith acknowledges his hundred at the Gabba. (Photo: Getty Images)
Historically, Smith’s record against England in the Ashes is second only to the legendary Don Bradman himself, boasting 12 centuries and an average north of 56. His latest effort at the Gabba serves as a timely reminder of his unparalleled ability to shape Test match outcomes. The subtle irony was not lost on observers that on the very same day Smith was dissecting the Queensland attack, England`s ODI side was collapsing spectacularly across the Tasman, bundled out for a meagre 175 in a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand. While different formats, the psychological contrast would be palpable.
Smith`s heroics, however, weren`t the sole highlight for New South Wales. Kurtis Patterson, the former Test batter, found a much-needed resurgence in form after a challenging start to the Shield season. His superb cover-driving and 14 boundaries culminated in an excellent 122 runs before he was caught behind off Marnus Labuschagne. The 202-run third-wicket partnership between Smith and Patterson proved to be the cornerstone of NSW`s formidable total of 349 for 5, significantly bolstering their chances of securing a vital first-innings lead. Young Will Salzmann also impressed, contributing a solid 65 as an opener, hinting at future potential.
However, the day wasn`t without its poignant moments. Sam Konstas, the fledgling opener, endured a chastening experience, bowled middle stump for just 10 runs by left-armer Hayden Kerr. This performance likely dents his immediate aspirations for an Australian opener`s spot, suggesting that a period away from the Test spotlight, honing his craft in the Shield, might be the most beneficial path forward for the promising youngster.
As the Ashes draw ever closer, Steven Smith’s Gabba century has provided precisely the kind of emphatic statement Australia needed. It wasn`t just a score; it was a declaration. A declaration that the master is ready, the stage is set, and England has indeed been put on notice. The cricketing summer, it seems, has officially begun.
