Steve Smith’s influence extends far beyond his cricket performances at Lord’s; he is now making his mark on the world through the animated character Rusty the Red Kelpie in the globally acclaimed “Bluey”.
In a recent interview with News Corp, creator of the series Joe Brumm revealed that Rusty’s technique was inspired by Smith’s janky playing style, with several references to Smith’s precise cut shot and high elbow drives.
Both Smith and Rusty share a passion for cricket and are products of the unpretentious world of backyard cricket, where skills are honed in varying conditions.
Just as Smith finetuned his skills in the backyard of his home in Sydney, facing his father from a mere eight meters away while plants stood in as fielders, Rusty refines his game on a potholed pitch.
One of the standout moments in the Bluey episode featuring Rusty is when he perfects his cut shot, aiming for a wooden panel near the kitchen without endangering his mother working behind it.
Brumm explained that this scene drew inspiration from a story he had heard about football coaches praising the creativity of players who grew up playing on unconventional fields, rather than through structured training programs.
“That was inspired by a story I’d heard where a football coach was describing that some of their best players were the ones who didn’t come up through highly organised clinics but rather grew up in the rough and ready, unorthodox fields and they would develop more creativity, having to adapt,’’ Brumm told News Corp.
“That and Wayne Gretzky’s upbringing weirdly were big inspirations for the episode. It also draws in Bradman’s history. In fact the pitch that Tiny plays on was based visually on Bradman’s first one.’’
Bluey has achieved tremendous global success, becoming the most streamed series in America in April, with viewers spending a staggering 737 million minutes viewing.
“Cricket worked its way into every corner of my life as a kid. It was just always there. The episode uses cricket of course but it’s representative of whatever sport it is you had growing that united your family and friends,” Brumm said.
“I only played in front yards and beaches. I wasn’t much good but I loved it. I loved all the variations of the game and the location you played in – taking classic catches on the shore if you were playing on the beach.’’
Cricket enthusiasts have long yearned to make significant strides in the vast American market, where baseball reigns supreme.
There is hope that the Bluey episode centred around cricket could help the sport break through the elusive American market, with Brumm hoping the show can break down cultural boundaries.
