In a cricketing spectacle that lit up the Sydney Cricket Ground, Steve Smith, the former Australian captain, announced his T20 comeback in the most emphatic manner possible. Fresh from his pivotal role in Australia’s triumphant Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 campaign against India, Smith returned to the Big Bash League (BBL) to score a breathtaking century against the Perth Scorchers, showcasing not just his return to form but his undying love for the game’s shortest format.
A Heroic Return from BGT 2024-25
The backdrop to this performance was the BGT series, where Smith had initially struggled, starting with a golden duck and following it with modest scores of 17 and 2. However, true to his character, he bounced back, crafting crucial centuries in Brisbane and Melbourne that were instrumental in Australia reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. These innings were not just about the runs but about resilience, technique, and a masterclass in adapting to conditions and opposition. His performance in the series underlined why he is considered one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation.
Steve Smith is something else 😲
Here’s all the highlights from his 121* off 64 balls. #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/MTo82oWAv1
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 11, 2025
The BBL Fireworks
Transitioning from the red ball to the white, Smith seemed to carry the same form and intent into the BBL. Opening the innings for the Sydney Sixers, he made his intentions clear from the outset. His innings against the Scorchers was a blend of elegance, power, and strategic play. Smith’s approach was methodical in the early part, respecting the good balls while dispatching the loose ones to the boundary.
The turning point of the match came in the final over when Smith, now well-set, unleashed his full array of shots against the left-arm seamer Jason Behrendorff. In a display of sheer dominance, he hit three colossal sixes, each seeming to soar into the Sydney night sky, further underlining his return to T20 cricket. The over was not just about the sixes but about the statement it made – Steve Smith was back, and he was back with a vengeance.
His unbeaten 121 off just 64 deliveries was a masterclass in T20 batting. It included 10 fours and seven sixes, showing his capability to score quickly without losing his trademark technique. At the other end, Ben Dwarshuis provided the perfect foil, remaining not out on 23 off just seven balls, as the duo stitched an unbroken partnership of 58 runs, propelling the Sixers to an imposing 220/3 in their 20 overs.
The Impact on the Match
This performance was not just about personal milestones; it had a significant impact on the match. The Scorchers, despite their reputation as a formidable side, were set a daunting task. The pressure of chasing such a high total, especially after witnessing Smith’s pyrotechnics, was palpable. While the Scorchers put up a valiant effort, the target set by Smith and his teammates proved too much, leading to a victory for the Sixers that was as much about the runs scored as the morale boost it provided to the team.
Smith’s Legacy in T20 Cricket
Steve Smith’s return to T20 cricket with such a performance also reignites discussions about his place in the format. Often critiqued for his slower scoring rate in the past, this match served as a rebuttal to those critiques. With a strike rate over 180, Smith has shown that he can adapt and thrive in the T20 arena, where every ball counts. His innings was not just about brute force but about smart cricket – reading the game, targeting bowlers, and playing to his strengths.
This BBL match was more than just a game; it was a narrative of redemption, of a player proving his detractors wrong, and of a cricketing genius finding new ways to express himself in a format that demands innovation. Smith’s century was a reminder of his versatility and his ability to dominate any format when he’s at his best.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can maintain this form. His performances will be critical for the Sixers, who are aiming for BBL glory, and for his national aspirations in T20 cricket. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, a well-performing Smith could force selectors to rethink their strategy, especially after having been overlooked for recent T20 international squads.
Steve Smith’s hundred against the Perth Scorchers was not just a comeback; it was a declaration. A declaration of intent, skill, and an undying spirit to excel in every format of the game he plays. Cricket fans, whether in Australia or globally, have been given yet another reason to celebrate the genius of Steve Smith, whose name will now be synonymous with one of the most memorable T20 innings in the BBL.
