steve smith

Steve Smith: The Ashes, The Record, and The Fielding Masterclass

Steve Smith is a name that resonates with mastery, controversy, and redemption in the world of cricket. For Australian fans, he is the genius who defies the conventions of batting; for opponents, he is the relentless run-machine who seems impossible to dismiss. As the Ashes 2025-26 series unfolds, Smith is once again at the center of the narrative—shattering statistical milestones and producing fielding moments of pure brilliance.

From the hallowed turf of the Gabba to the history books, here is a detailed look at Steve Smith’s current form, his monumental achievements, and why he remains the most vital cog in the Australian Test machine.

The Ashes 2025: A Moment of Magic at the Gabba

The second Test of the Ashes 2025 series at Brisbane was a contest defined by momentum swings. England, fighting to stay alive in the series, had built a solid partnership in their second innings, threatening to set a target that might trouble the Australians. Enter Steve Smith.

It wasn't with the bat this time that Smith shifted the tide, but with his fielding. In a moment that reminded the world of his athletic prowess, Smith took a brilliant catch to dismiss England's Will Jacks.

According to BBC Sport, the catch was a turning point. Jacks was looking dangerous, having scored a quick-fire 41, but his aggression led him to target the off-side. He drove hard, but Smith, positioned at cover, flung himself to his left. It was a one-handed stunner, snatched inches from the ground.

The video footage (available via BBC and Cricket.com.au) shows the sheer reaction speed. Smith didn't just catch the ball; he caught the momentum of the game. That single moment of brilliance sparked an English collapse, turning a potentially tricky fourth-innings chase into a formality for Australia.

It was a reminder of why Smith is often described as having the "safest hands in the business." Whether at slip, gully, or cover, his anticipation and reflexes are second to none.

Rewriting the Record Books: Surpassing Greg Chappell

While his fielding makes headlines, it is his batting that cements his legacy. The Ashes 2025-26 series has seen Smith achieve a feat that places him in a bracket of his own.

In a historic turn of events, Steve Smith surpassed the legendary Greg Chappell to become the first player ever to achieve a specific monumental career milestone. While the specific nuances of cricket statistics can be complex, the overarching narrative is clear: Smith is piling on the runs at a rate that defies his age and the quality of modern bowling attacks.

For Australian cricket fans, the rivalry between batters is a cherished tradition. Comparisons are often drawn between Smith, Don Bradman, and Greg Chappell. By moving past Chappell in this specific metric, Smith has further distanced himself from the "controversy era" of his career and firmly planted himself in the "all-time greats" conversation.

His ability to score runs across all conditions—whether on the bouncy tracks of Australia or the swinging Dukes ball in England—makes him a true modern great.

The "Steve Smith" Black Tape Phenomenon

During the Second Test at The Gabba, keen-eyed viewers noticed a subtle change in Smith’s appearance: black adhesive strips under his eyes.

While it might seem like a stylistic choice, this is a practical measure known as "eye-black." Originally used by NFL players to reduce glare from the sun or stadium lights, the practice has crossed over into cricket. Playing day-night Tests often involves tricky light conditions, especially during the twilight session when the pink ball can be difficult to pick.

Smith, ever the perfectionist, leaves no stone unturned. Whether it's a technical adjustment in his batting stance or a practical aid for his vision, he adopts whatever gives him an edge.

Profile of a Redemption Arc: From Captain to Legend

To understand the current adulation for Steve Smith, one must look back at his journey.

The Leg-Spinner Turned Battering Ram

As noted in profiles by ESPNcricinfo and the ICC, Smith began his career as a curious anomaly—a leg-spinner who could bat a bit. He was initially compared to all-rounders like Shane Watson. However, under the guidance of mentors and through his own obsessive dedication to the craft, he transformed into the world's premier Test batter.

His technique is unorthodox. He shuffles across his stumps, triggers movements before the ball is delivered, and uses his wrists to manipulate the field. To opposition bowlers, it is a nightmare; there is no "off stump" or "leg stump" with Smith—he owns the entire crease.

The Sandpaper Gate and the Comeback

The 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa was the nadir of Smith’s career. Stripped of the captaincy and serving a year-long ban, many wondered if the mental toll would diminish his genius.

The answer, upon his return, was a resounding no. He returned with a hunger that saw him score twin centuries in his first Test back at Lord's. The Ashes 2019 in England was arguably his magnum opus, where he amassed 774 runs in just seven innings, tormenting the English attack almost single-handedly.

The Current Australian Test Team: Smith’s Role

In the current Australian setup, Smith’s role has evolved again. After taking over the captaincy following Tim Paine's resignation and then handing it over to Pat Cummins, Smith has found a renewed freedom as a senior batter.

However, with the absence of key players like Cameron Green (due to injury or rotation) and the fluctuating form of those around him, Smith remains the anchor. In the Ashes 2025 series, his presence offers stability. When the top order wobbles, Smith is the wall. When the opposition tires, he is the scorer.

His partnership-building abilities are crucial. He knows when to rotate strike and when to unleash, a cricketing IQ that separates him from the "hit-and-miss" power hitters of the T20 era.

Why Steve Smith Resonates with Australians

The Australian cricket fan appreciates grit as much as flair. They love a player who fights, who scrapes, and who dominates. Steve Smith embodies all three.

1. The Unorthodox Genius: He doesn't look like a textbook batsman, which makes his success even more satisfying. He is a self-made cricketer who engineered his own success.
2. The Fielder: As seen in the Will Jacks dismissal, he is a live wire on the field. He saves runs and takes wickets, contributing in every facet.
3. The Redemption: His story is one of rising from the ashes of scandal to become a respected senior figure in the sport.

Conclusion: The Legacy Continues

As the Ashes 2025-26 series progresses, the focus remains squarely on Steve Smith. He has already surpassed Greg Chappell in a significant statistical milestone, and he has reminded us of his fielding brilliance with that screamer at the Gabba.

For cricket purists and Australian fans, watching Steve Smith bat is a masterclass in concentration and innovation. Whether he is wearing black tape to cut out the glare or standing at cover point waiting for a drive, he is always in the game.

The "safest hands in the business" and the "best batter of his era"—Steve Smith is not just playing cricket; he is rewriting history, one innings and one catch at a time.