Australia’s star batsman, Steve Smith, is contemplating a “less is more” approach to his training regimen to address his recent slump, taking advice from former teammate Mike Hussey during the ongoing Test series against India.
The 35-year-old Smith, once a linchpin of Australia’s batting lineup, enters the third Test in Brisbane under pressure, having scored just 19 runs across three innings. His struggles persist despite returning to his preferred number four spot after a brief, unsuccessful stint as an opener.
With pundits doubting his ability to reclaim his top form, Smith sought guidance from Hussey, who excelled late in his career and famously scored eight Test centuries after turning 35. Hussey suggested Smith reconsider his intensive training routines.
“I mentioned to Steve that it’s worth thinking about how much he hits and whether it’s helping or hurting him,” Hussey told Cricket Australia. “For younger players, volume matters, but as you age, staying mentally and physically fresh is more important.”
Smith took this advice to heart and skipped a practice session before the Adelaide Test to stay fresh, though the strategy didn’t pay off immediately — he was dismissed for just two runs, caught off Jasprit Bumrah. Still, Smith remains open to refining his approach.
“In an ideal world, I wouldn’t hit as many balls before a match,” Smith admitted. “But sometimes I need that last session to work on a specific movement or feel more comfortable.”
Questions linger over Smith’s vulnerability against Indian pace attacks, with fans wondering how long the team can persist with him during a phase of rebuilding. Acknowledging recent changes in pitch conditions, Smith is also observing how his teammates adapt, citing Travis Head and Mitch Marsh’s aggressive batting as potential inspiration.
“On challenging wickets, the successful batters are often those who go harder at the ball, giving themselves room and scoring quickly,” Smith said. “I need to find a balance between applying pressure on the bowlers and managing these conditions effectively.”
As Smith recalibrates his methods, his performance in Brisbane could determine how soon — or if — he can reclaim his status as Australia’s batting standard-bearer.
