A hobbling Steve Smith managed a smile when he was reminded that he had joined the great Don Bradman as one of Australia’s most prolific century-makers.
“I guess anytime your name is mentioned alongside the Don, it’s pretty special and it’s pretty flattering,” Smith said after scoring an unbeaten 200 on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies in Perth.
“It was nice to get a big one today and set us up and put us in a good position. I have felt really good for the last couple of weeks batting and fortunately was able to spend a good time out there yesterday and today.“
It was Smith’s third century in 31 innings of going through what for him was a flat spot but it was his second ton in three hits after getting rid of his exaggerated shuffle across the crease while on the Sri Lankan tour during the middle of this year.
“I’ve always worked hard and been confident. The reason for my slight change in technique is because I was unhappy with where I was at with my batting,” he said.
“Whilst I was still contributing to the team, I wasn’t probably getting the big runs that I’d like to get. I think now with the way I’m able to play and the way teams have bowled against me, I’ve sort of had to adapt a bit where I’m at with my body and my hands.
Steve Smith on his way to 200 not out against the West Indies in Perth on Thursday.Credit:Getty
“Now I feel like I’m opening up the whole ground as opposed to probably just sort of behind square on the leg side and I’m able to hit the ball in different areas, which I probably wasn’t able to hit previously. So I feel in a good place right now.”
Still struggling with a sore hip created when a stretching exercise went wrong before the Test, Smith believes Australia can force a victory after the West Indies went to stumps at 0-74 in reply to Australia’s 4(dec)-598. Just four wickets fell in the first two days.
“I think the game’s set up really nicely,” Smith said. “I think they played pretty well tonight, the West Indies batters. So tomorrow, I think it’s important that we put a bit of pressure on early and stick to the basics, be really patient and hopefully that’ll get us some good results. But I certainly think a result is on the cards, and I think the cracks will probably come into play a little bit more as the game goes on.“
“There’s a few starting to sort of form. They’re not large at present, but there’s a little bit there. So we’ll see.“
Smith felt the Australians bowled a little too short but the cracks are likely to play a bigger role as the game goes on, as they did against India in the first Test at Perth Stadium four years ago.
