Steve Smith took the charge for Australia in absence of Pat Cummins and Australia has flourished. In the Test series against Sri Lanka, Australia won by 9 wickets in the second match and chased the target of 75 runs in the second innings.
Australia’s Historic Win
Australia bowlers Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon wrecked havoc and spun their way towards victory. Kuhnemann picked 3 wickets in the first innings and then took 4 in the second. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 231 runs in their second innings, Australia was given a target of 75 runs to win. The opening pair of Usman Khawaja and Travis Head took to the crease for Australia. Head faced 23 balls, scoring 20 runs, before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya. However, Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne ensured that Australia lost no further wickets and guided the team to a comfortable 9-wicket victory.
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Steve Smith’s Record Breaking Series
Steve Smith’s Sri Lankan tour was truly historic. He literally went past the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket, making himself part of cricket history as one of the greatest ever. Just not breaking records but also extraordinary feats in his pursuit, such as becoming the most catch-taking Australian Test player. Smith batted well and received centuries in both the first and second Tests for Australia as the team had emerged victorious in both matches. He captained the team to sweep the 2-0 series, making the whitewash a reality. The Player of the Series was what he deserved for his match-winning performances.
Steve Smith tour of srilanka
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) February 9, 2025
Went past 10,000 runs ✓
Most catches in Australian test history ✓
Hundred in the first test ✓
Hundred in the second test ✓
Won the first test as captain ✓
Won the second test as Captain ✓
Whitewash the series 2.0 ✓
Player of the series ✓ pic.twitter.com/8YKc6nmxz5
Steve Smith Captaincy
It was the first time since 2014 that Australia has won a Test series in Sri Lanka and all of this way possible due to Steve Smith’s tactical captaincy.
STEVE SMITH'S CAPTAINCY TRANSFORMATION!
— Rajesh Singh (@THEVAJRA85) February 9, 2025
2016: 0-3 series loss as captain, with modest batting performances
2025: 2-0 series WIN as captain, with BACK-TO-BACK CENTURIES!
What a remarkable turnaround for Steve Smith!#SteveSmith #AUSvsSL #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/EjVp7muZme
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Steve Smith’s journey as a captain has been remarkable. In 2016, he had the worst of it, losing the series 0-3 while still batting with modest performances. But fast-forward to 2025, and the man is completely transformed – his leadership skills as well as his batting prowess. Under his captaincy, Australia won the series 2-0. And Smith played a pivotal role, scoring two consecutive centuries. His turnaround as captain and player testifies to the resilience of Steve Smith, thereby making his leadership one of the most impressive cricketing stories ever.
