NASSER HUSSAIN: Can England get Steve Smith out? Ben Stokes will have to think outside the box
NASSER HUSSAIN: Can England get Steve Smith out? Aussie batsman has an exceptional record in this country and Ben Stokes will have to think outside the box – here’s my master plan to see him off
- Steve Smith continued his fine run with a century against India at The Oval
- England’s tactics towards the Aussie batsman have come full circle in recent years
- Smith is vulnerable to the full straight ball early on when the length is right
The bad news for England is that there is no noticeable weakness in Steve Smith’s game. Therefore, he averages 60 in Tests. And that’s why, unlike some Australians in recent years, he has an exceptional track record in this country. His century in the first innings against India in the World Test Championship final was the latest example.
England’s tactics towards him have been round in recent years. For a while they thought he was an lbw candidate, until they realized he had slammed everything through Midwicket. Then they aimed for the fourth stump and tried to lick it off, with limited success.
What they might be thinking about this summer is trying a little bit of both. I don’t care who you are: every batter is vulnerable to the completely straight ball early on. But England need to get their height right. India bowed back to Smith for too long and he finishes those deliveries more easily than anyone I’ve ever seen. By the time they filled up, he had his eye on them. England must aim more at shin height.
But if England don’t enjoy pinning him leg-before after 20 or 30 balls, they might consider going a little wider from the crease and aiming for that fourth punch outside.
You could then slip a full ball onto the pads in an attempt to surprise him, but as a field captain you might only allow yourself one or two a day once Smith is set. Otherwise, you run the risk of making him run.
Australian batsman Steve Smith has an exceptional record in England, averaging 60 in Tests
Smith continued his impressive record in England with a century against India at The Oval
England’s plans must be consistent and clearly communicated and they must understand that they will not bore him. He likes to hit and there is no ego. He’s not like Viv Richards or Kevin Pietersen, who might try to flutter you through midwicket if you tie him up. Smith piles up relentlessly.
Fast pace is always handy, of course, and people are still talking about that spell that Jofra Archer bowled for him at Lord’s in 2019. The obvious candidate this time around is Mark Wood, although Ben Stokes can also bowl a bit of chin music.
On the other hand, when the subject of Jofra came up on Twitter recently, Smith has the perfect comeback: how many times has he taken me out in Test cricket?
He is also a good spin player, but England must believe – as Mike Brearley has often said = that the captain must feel he can make an impact. Stokes likes to think outside the box and he may have to do a lot to keep Smith quiet. If Smith is often described as a problem solver, Stokes will need the same qualities.