Steve Smith has been one of the best batters in modern cricket. His Test game is considered to be the best among all current batters. The Australian batter however was going through a lean path in ODIs for almost two years now. In the last two years, the 33-year-old had not scored a single century.
The month of September however seems to bring in much-needed respite to the FAB4. Earlier Virat Kohli got to his 71st century after a gap of 1021 days and now Steve Smith has also clinched his 12th ODI century after a gap of two years.
His century knock came in the third match of the Chappell- Hadlee Trophy. Playing against New Zealand, the right-hand batter came into bat when Australia were 14/1 in the first innings. Captain Aaron Finch who announced retirement from the format after the ongoing series also departed soon at a team score of 16/2.
The responsibility to take Australia’s innings forward fell on Smith’s shoulders after the skipper’s departure. With number four batter Marnus Labuschangne, smith produced a hundred-run partnership to take his team to a decent 134/3.
Labuschagne departed making a solid half-century (52) but the work was still not done. Australia still needed to put defendable runs on the scoreboard if they were to win the match. Smith however looked settled at this point and kept adding runs to the Australian total.
On the back of great technique and timing, the Australian batter reached his 12th century with a single off Tim Southee in the 44th over. The right-hand batter thwarted all challenges from the Kiwi bowlers and negated all the disadvantages of a sticky, two-paced slower pitch to clinch his comeback century.
Twitter was understandably overjoyed at Smith coming back to form right when the World Cup is just around the corner. Cricket fans were also happy that they got to see both Virat Kohli and Steve Smith make a comeback century in the same week.
Let’s look at how Twitter reacted to Steve Smith’s century against New Zealand.
Hundred for Steve Smith, what a knock it has been, Australia was struggling with 16 for 2 then the rescue act started and completed a high-class hundred. pic.twitter.com/4t7HLV8IA5
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 11, 2022
#AUSvNZ
There it is , first ? of the summer goes to The GOAT @stevesmith49And Whattaaa superb innings this is from Smudge , team was under pressure , Difficult pitch , but Smith shows his class
12th ODI ton for a master player , Well played GOAT Steve Smith??
— Nishant Verma (@NikSmudge) September 11, 2022
Superstar! That's ODI ton No.12 for Steve Smith, this one coming off 127 balls #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/v006wACPau
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 11, 2022
No one, I repeat NO ONE can be as good as Steve Smith when the situation and pitch is tough for batting. #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/bCvw6aR4CV
— Madhurima (@worn_out1) September 11, 2022
Steve Smith is back.
An ODI hundred after two years!? pic.twitter.com/atcZvG8vlO— Fatima (@JoeRootmatters) September 11, 2022
A Virat Kohli 100 being followed up by a Steve Smith 100. Cricket is healing
— Dr Cornerz (@Ceeya_Mav) September 11, 2022
A long wait has come to an end. Amazing player, amazing performance ?
More power to you Champion ??#SteveSmith ll #AUSvsNZ https://t.co/5kgwfviMwL— Fat?ma ? (@diehardPCT) September 11, 2022
12th Ton in ODI Cricket By Steve Smith. Legend @stevesmith49 Back in Form with an Incredible Century on a difficult pitch. #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/ciMFbfNOa8
— Ayush Ranjan (@AyushRaGenius) September 11, 2022
Sunday the king played??? #NZvAUS #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/fY1T8zYjiU
— m (@3317LOST) September 11, 2022
Steve Smith launching a filthy slog over the fence because he knew it was a no-ball due to the number of fielders outside the circle ?#AUSvNZ #PlayOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/T3LFFjsCB8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 11, 2022
