Steve Smith: The 2019 Ashes series was certainly more than the battle for that fabled Urn; it was one of cricket’s most incredible comebacks. At the center of this parade was Steve Smith, whose return to Test cricket after a year-long ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal went from anger to adoration by both fans and pundits alike.
Where It All Began
Steve Smith’s fall from grace was swift and brutal. His aftermath of March 2018 saw him banned from international cricket for a whole year, and his presence was sorely missed in the subsequent Australian tours, with the team finding it increasingly difficult to fill the void that Smith had created in the batting lineup as an unorthodox-tickeating machine.
After his suspension was served, Smith returned to cricket’s fold, but the question tallied large: Could he regain his spot at the top of the game? The 2019 Ashes series provided the answer!
Steve Smith’s Comeback Moment
The series started off in Edgbaston, where the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Smith’s first innings was nothing short of spectacular. When Australia got into a twist of early wickets, Smith walked in to bat and immediately grabbed the attention for himself. He batted with a minimal amount of grit and some style, scoring 144 runs as he stabilized Australia’s innings, only in his nature. His 2019 Ashes debut performance was in fact his masterclass with trademark leaving balls outside off-stump leaving a bruised mark and punishing loose balls in a ruthless manner.
Smith’s genius shone all the brighter in the second Test at Lord’s. A fine 92 in the first innings gave way to the breathtakingly brilliant 141 in the second innings, which catapulted Australia towards an important victory. It was for the first time since 1975 that an Australian made a century in both his innings of a test at Lord’s and a feat that once again reinstated him among the pantheon of the game’s greats.
The Challenges
However, the series wasn’t easy for Australia. Smith was always on the pump from the crowds in England, which wanted to remind him of past weaknesses. Such chants of “cheat” resounded around the ground but were unable to faze Smith. He showed true mental toughness by compartmentalizing this noise.
Something flipped, maybe the moment when headingley Test saw Jofra Archer delivering a neck swing that sent him walking out of the game concussed. He was given one last major knock when his star man went out of the game, and then Australia failed to muster momentum in favor of England while leveling the series. It was a bitter reminder of thin line between glory and despair in sport.
The Resurgence
Smith returned for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, and the cricketing world was holding its collective breath. Could he bounce back from such a dramatic blow? The answer was yes, and the scoreboard said so, in terms of 82 runs in the first innings and then a century in the second to help Australia to a vital victory, sending them to the very doorstep of retaining the Ashes.
His innings wasn’t about runs alone. It is more of a declaration of staying power. What comes out of this game is a game where Smith shapes up according to challenges and stands up to them as well-the world-class cricketer will be more seen as a result of these events.
Legacy And Impact
By the end of the series, Smith had scored 774 runs at an average of 110.57 with three centuries and one half-century. His comeback was not just about numbers; it was a great redemption narrative of humanity and a reminder of why we love this game.
Steve Smith in the 2019 #Ashes
— ICC (@ICC) September 8, 2019
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Incredible. pic.twitter.com/jIt9LUB9kV
The story of Smith through the 2019 Ashes forms a prototype for all athletes in terms of facing adversity. His focus and determination, paired with his immense talent, allowed him an opportunity to rise from the ashes of controversy and emerge much stronger and more resilient.
As the cricketing world reminisces about the 2019 Ashes, it would be remembered not only for the fierce competitiveness between two storied rivals but also for the epic comeback of Steve Smith, a true cricketing hero whose journey is yet far from over.
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