Steve Smith 'could force experts to rip up batting manuals' after Ashes masterclass

Run machine: Australia’s Steve Smith
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Will Macpherson12 September 2019

Steve Smith's success could force batting experts to rip up the coaching manuals, according to Australia great Adam Gilchrist.

Smith has scored 671 runs in five innings in this Ashes series, at an average of 134.2. He needs 304 more to beat Don Bradman’s record total of 974, set in 1930 — and the 30-year-old would surely have beaten that if he had not missed three innings in the campaign due to concussion.

Another of the Baggy Greens’ finest players, three-times World Cup-winner Gilchrist, believes Smith’s unorthodox technique may revolutionise the way the game is taught.

Gilchrist said: “Years ago, Smith had a lean patch with the bat and had to step away for a bit. He tried to change his technique, but later decided to stay true to his game.

“To stick to your guns when all the cricketing greats, coaches and textbooks say you are wrong takes real courage. And now everyone is watching him bat in amazement and trying to learn from him.

“The textbooks on batting technique may need to be rewritten.”

Australian cricket was thrown into turmoil 18 months ago when Smith, his vice-captain David Warner, and batsman Cameron Bancroft were banned for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Warner and Smith have been repeatedly booed and mocked by the crowds in England and while Warner has scored just 79 runs from eight innings during the Ashes, Smith has seen himself compared to Bradman.

“Smith’s run is extraordinary, considering the sort of pressure he was under,” said Gilchrist, who played 96 Tests for his country between 1999 and 2008.

“It [heckling] was expected from the England crowds. “Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft took responsibility for their actions.

“Smith has utilised the time away to come back mentally tougher.”

In two Ashes series now, Smith — as well as a superior pace bowling attack — has been the difference between the sides. He had a stellar series, scoring 687 runs at an average of 137.4, as the Aussies regained the urn Down Under in 2017-18, and is on course to do even better this time to ensure they kept it.

England can do no better than draw the five-match contest.

Who could blame Smith if he went into this Test with his sights set firmly on surpassing The Don?

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