Legendary batter Steven Smith always tries to evolve his game. The veteran firmly believes in the art of continuous learning. While the Aussie has already breached the 10,000 runs barrier in Test cricket, recently, he has changed his batting approach ahead of Australia's summit clash against South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Greg Chappell has spoken highly about Smith's new tweak and says it has helped him approach his batting in a lot more relaxed way.
Smith, who was also the leading run-getter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, has got back to old destructive best. He was a bit of color when he volunteered to open the innings after David Warner's retirement. However, since returning to his favorite batting position - number four, the right-hand batter has scored three Test centuries.
"His conscious decision to relax more, to spend less time in the nets, to allow his mind to wander free is not a sign of diminished ambition but a recognition that preserving mental energy and finding a state of ease is paramount for sustained performance at the highest level," Chappell said to ESPNCricinfo.
Greg Chappell says Steven Smith's key to success has been finding the right rhythm
Chappell further stated the recent success of Steven Smith has been down to being in a good rhythm right from ball one. The expert also gave an example of Ricky Ponting on how the legendary batter found it difficult to find any rhythm whatsoever when he was in the twilight of his career. However, Smith after being turned 34, has focused on being a lot more relaxed and has cut down on his rigorous training sessions, as he once used to do in his early 20s.
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"When you approach the crease, or any challenge in life, with ease, with a sense of quiet joy, you are more likely to be in flow, working in harmony with that universal energy. This isn't just the simpler way to live; it might also be the simplest way to bat."
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For the unversed, Smith will be the key batter for Australia's upcoming vital assignments in the WTC Final against South Africa and the Ashes later in 2025.
