Blossoming Test star Steve Smith is embracing his role as the Sydney Sixers’ finisher.
At 24, the middle-order batsman is entering his prime, with three centuries in his last six Tests while also becoming an increasingly influential figure in the NSW and Sixers teams.
Since returning from Test duty, Sixers captain Smith has top-scored in both their Big Bash T20 games, with 65 off 48 balls against Perth and 52 off 32 in Wednesday’s seven-run win over Hobart.
In both innings, Smith kept the scoreboard humming along with his trademark assortment of well-placed dabs and powerfully-struck boundaries.
“I certainly think I’ve matured over the last 12 months and that’s my kind of role that I need to play in the middle overs,” Smith said.
“Just come in and knock it round and hit the bad balls for four, and try and get a little bit innovative at the end.
“I’ve done it quite well the last two games and hopefully there’s a few more runs in the next couple.”
Smith is hoping to land another contract to play in the Indian Premier League, where he has spent the last two seasons with Pune Warriors.
“It’s been good fun and I think it’s definitely been a good development for my cricket, my skills in particular, the shorter forms,” Smith said.
The victory over Hobart kept the Sixers in the top four, though they haven’t yet cemented a finals spot.
“We’re in a good position having won four games,” Smith said.
“There’s still obviously plenty of work to do and hopefully we can carry some momentum from this game.”
While praising Smith for his innings, Hurricanes skipper Tim Paine was critical of his bowling group.
“Our last four of five overs with the ball were ordinary and it’s an area that we’ve been poor in two games that cost us, one against Perth and one here,” Paine said.
“Smithy played very well but we bowled balls exactly where Steve Smith likes to hit the ball.
“Whether our bowlers are asleep in the meetings or they don’t read or take any notice of what we say, I’m not sure.”