Steve Smith Gears Up for WTC Final Against South Africa

Steve Smith is gearing up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, entering the match with renewed energy and confidence after a strategic break from cricket. Having taken time off following Australia's semi-final defeat in the Champions Trophy, Smith focused on enhancing his fitness and mental clarity. With four centuries in his last five Test matches, he is set to bat at his preferred No. 4 position. As he faces South Africa's formidable bowling attack, Smith's refreshed mindset could be key to Australia's success in retaining their WTC title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2025, 13:56 IST

Steve Smith Prepares for World Test Championship Final

Australian cricket star Steve Smith is set to face South Africa's formidable pace attack in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. At 36, Smith enters this crucial match rejuvenated and focused, ready to showcase his best performance, a version of himself that has been absent for a while. This renewed vigor follows a rare, intentional break from the sport.

After Australia's semi-final exit in the Champions Trophy, Smith announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). Instead of diving straight into Test match preparations, he opted for a break lasting over two months, during which he traveled to New York and refrained from cricket, marking a deliberate reset.

In London this week, Smith shared, "I usually have a bat lying around, practicing shadow batting without even realizing it. But I decided to put it away and didn’t touch a bat until our first practice here."

Reflecting on his return to batting, he remarked, "My first practice felt surprisingly good. Typically, it goes: good, bad, then I find my rhythm. But both sessions were solid, and everything just fell into place."

Known for his rigorous training routines, this break was a significant shift for Smith, but it clearly yielded positive results. Upon returning to the crease, he found that batting felt instinctive. Additionally, Smith embraced a new fitness regimen, collaborating with a private coach in New York to boost his strength and flexibility.

"I feel as strong as I have since around 2014," he stated. "My hips are in excellent condition, and I’m getting lower, which will help in the slips too. Physically, I feel the best I have in years."

"I still believe I could open the batting," he added. "However, I didn’t perform exceptionally in the four games I played. Nowadays, anyone in the top four could be in the mix within an over anyway."

"Having hit countless balls throughout my career, it’s like riding a bike, I suppose. Right now, everything is running smoothly," he concluded.

Steve Smith has achieved four centuries in five Test matches and will bat at his favored No. 4 position, with Cameron Green at No. 3 and Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja. Although he briefly opened earlier this season when David Warner retired, it wasn’t the best fit for him. Now comfortably settled in the middle order, Smith is poised to be a crucial support as Australia aims to defend their WTC title.

Facing South Africa's strong bowling lineup, led by Kagiso Rabada, especially in the seaming conditions at Lord's, will be a significant challenge. Nevertheless, Smith carries a quiet confidence, stemming not from routine but from a clear and refreshed mindset.