Steve Smith at one point was among the most sought after batsmen during the Indian Premier League auctions, however, as things would unfold, the Australian superstar was given the cold shoulder in the mega auction of IPL 2022, which went unsold. Never known as a batsman to detract from the word go, Smith has over time become adept at the role of anchor while others around him hit big. During IPL 2021, Smith played eight matches, scoring 152 runs at a strike rate of 112.59. In the T20 World Cup, Smith scored just 69 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 97.18.
But now the 33-year-old has been given a license to go there and attack the bowlers.
“I’m so excited that the tag has been taken down, to be honest with you,” Smith on Cricket.com.au. told Ahead of the opening T20I of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in Colombo.
“The Diva (stand-in coach Michael Di Venuto) actually told me the other day … They said ‘We’re getting rid of that tag, he’s gone. Just go out and play freely. Wanna smack the first or second ball for a six, go for it.
“And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s cool’.
“So now it’s just about going out and playing freely and trusting your instincts, which I think I’ve done in any format for a long time, rather than being a little more reserved and trying not to freak out.” Well done, which I don’t. Don’t think of the right way to play T20 cricket,” said the right-handed batsman.
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“He’s got rid of that ‘Mr. Fix-It’ tag.”
It will be interesting to see how Smith does his job now. Fans can see him in his new role later today when Australia take on hosts Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Colombo.
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