Steve Smith Breaks Free with Back-to-Back Fours After a Slow Start
It was a classic Steve Smith moment — a blend of patience, precision, and timing that reminded everyone why he remains one of Australia’s finest batters. Making his return to the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales, Smith had a surprisingly slow start to his innings. He faced 21 dot balls before finally getting off the mark on the 22nd delivery. For a player of his class, it was an unusually long wait, but as soon as the first run came, the rhythm quickly followed.
His first scoring shots came in style — not one, but two consecutive fours off Queensland’s debutant, Sam Skelly. It was as if all that early caution suddenly transformed into controlled aggression. Those back-to-back boundaries not only broke the silence but also set the tone for what could be a steady and calculated innings from the seasoned campaigner.
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Smith’s approach at the crease was typical of his meticulous style. He’s known for reading the conditions, taking his time to settle in, and then switching gears when the moment feels right. That patience was on full display during those 21 dot balls. It wasn’t frustration; it was focus. He was assessing the movement, the bounce, and the rhythm of the bowlers — something he’s mastered over the years in both Test cricket and domestic formats.
For fans watching, it was a reminder of Smith’s methodical genius. He doesn’t rush into stroke play; instead, he builds his innings like an architect — brick by brick. Once he’s in, the runs usually come in clusters, and those two fours off Skelly were a glimpse of what might follow in this Sheffield Shield campaign.
This innings also marked Smith’s first outing of the Shield season for New South Wales, and expectations were high. His presence adds not just stability to the batting lineup but also brings experience and confidence to the team. Every time Smith steps onto the field, there’s an air of anticipation — whether he’s grinding through tough conditions or counter-attacking with finesse.
The Queensland debutant, Sam Skelly, probably won’t forget the moment either. Bowling to Steve Smith is a baptism by fire for any young player. And even though Smith took time to get going, once he did, the difference in experience was clear.
It might have taken 21 balls for him to get started, but once Steve Smith found his groove, it was business as usual — calculated, classy, and unmistakably Smith.
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