Steve Smith: The Unorthodox Technique That Redefined Batting
Steve Smith's batting technique breaks virtually every coaching textbook rule — a pronounced backlift to leg, an eccentric trigger movement, and unconventional balance. Yet he averages 59+ in Tests, second only to Bradman among batsmen with 50+ Tests. This guide examines what makes Smith's method work.
Steve Smith's Test batting average of 59.1+ (as of 2026) is the highest of any batsman since Don Bradman — achieved through a technique that senior coaches would have discouraged in a junior. His backlift is directed toward second slip (not straight), his trigger movement lurches sideways, and his balance at the moment of contact looks precarious. Yet he has over 9,000 Test runs, 33+ centuries, and has been ranked world number one for more cumulative days than any other active Test batsman. His technique, unconventional as it appears, functions flawlessly for him.
The Trigger Movement
Smith's trigger movement (the pre-delivery preparatory movement as the bowler approaches) is cricket's most discussed technical element — a lateral shuffle to leg that appears to take him far out of position. The movement, however, achieves several things simultaneously: it preloads his weight to allow forward movement without double-step; it aligns his eye line with deliveries angling toward his body; and it creates a natural gap for the ball to miss his body on the off-side (allowing him to leave deliveries that others cannot). Cricket analysts have concluded his movement, while unorthodox, is internally consistent and repeatable — the definition of good technique.
The Sandpapergate Effect
Smith was banned for 12 months in 2018 (Sandpapergate — the ball-tampering incident in Cape Town) and missed cricket's most important bilateral period (the 2018 IPL and international series). The ban had no lasting impact on his batting — he returned in 2019 averaging higher than his pre-ban level. The psychological effect of the ban (public humiliation, tearful press conference, national criticism) was significant personally, but his ability to compartmentalise the incident and return to elite performance is cited as evidence of exceptional mental resilience.
Comparisons With Bradman
Statistical comparisons with Bradman: Smith's average (59.1) is second only to Bradman (99.94) among batsmen with 50+ Tests. The gap is large — Bradman's average is 40 runs higher — but Smith's is 10 runs higher than the third-highest (Herbert Sutcliffe, 60.7, pre-WW2). Among modern batsmen (post-1970), Smith's average exceeds Lara, Tendulkar, Kallis, and Ponting by 4-10 runs — a significant statistical advantage. Analysts who adjust for era, conditions, and opposition quality generally find Smith within the top 5-10 Test batsmen of all time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Steve Smith's Test batting average?
Steve Smith's Test batting average is approximately 59.1 as of 2026 — the highest of any active Test batsman and the second highest in cricket history after Don Bradman (99.94). He has scored 9,000+ Test runs across 100+ Tests with 33+ centuries. His average is significantly higher than contemporaries like Virat Kohli (~48), Joe Root (~51), and Kane Williamson (~54).
Why is Steve Smith's batting technique unusual?
Steve Smith's technique breaks multiple coaching conventions: his backlift goes toward second slip (not straight up); his trigger movement is an exaggerated lateral shuffle to leg; and his balance at contact looks precarious. Despite this, his technique is internally consistent — each unusual element works together. His trigger movement, specifically, preloads his weight for forward movement and aligns his eyes with incoming deliveries. Cricket analysts conclude his method is 'unorthodox but functional' — the key criterion for any batting technique.
Was Steve Smith banned from cricket?
Yes — Steve Smith was banned for 12 months in 2018 following the Sandpapergate ball-tampering incident in Cape Town, where the Australian team used sandpaper to illegally alter the ball's condition. Smith (as captain) accepted responsibility for knowing about the plan. He served his ban and returned in 2019, scoring 774 runs in the Ashes — one of the highest individual Ashes performances ever. The ban had no lasting impact on his batting performance.