I Haven't Touched A Bat Really: Steve Smith Says He Is In Best Shape, Focussing On Fitness
Published - 01 Jun 2020, 05:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:29 AM
Former Australian captain Steve Smith opened up on how he is keeping himself in shape and good stead amid an extended break The number one Test batsman was amongst the 22 players that took the field when the last international match held back in March. David Warner and Mitchell Starc were reported to have begun training on Monday at the Sydney Olympic Park for cricket behind closed doors.
The COVID-19 has currently forced all the cricketing activities under suspension; however, several countries are working relentlessly for the game to resume again. Cricket Australia specifically are working ruthlessly to get cricket back on track in their country. Last week, they announced the full schedule of their home season that involves hosting Afghanistan followed by a high-voltage four-match Test series against India. India’s visit down under would also include ODI and T20I series.
As far as Steve Smith is concerned, he is someone who craves to bat and practices shadow batting, hasn’t picked it in two months. Instead, the 31-year old is concentrating on building his physical and mental fitness. After a tight cricketing schedule in 2019, Smith admits that the break has given a good chance to freshen up and admits he is in the best shape right now.
“I haven’t touched a bat, really. A couple of little drills at home but that’s about it. I’ve just tried to switch off from it a bit, which I don’t do very often. I was just focusing on getting myself fit and strong and refreshing mentally. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in in years, doing lots of running, lots of gym stuff at home. It’s been a couple of months of good hard work.
I’ve done a few master classes at home (with fans online) … but other than that I really haven’t picked up a cricket bat. It’s been a bit different but I’m sure in the long run it will probably be a good thing to freshen up after a pretty long year and a half since the World Cup and Ashes.” Smith said as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
Steve Smith open to help in any way he can:
The New South Wales batsman understands the consequences Cricket Australia have sustained due to the pandemic. The Board has let go of more than 200 staff due to the financial condition. Steve Smith said that they had got people in different areas of expertise, who can outright help each other in more than one ways.
“They all have a role to play, particularly as the game has evolved and got more professional. We’ve got people in different areas of expertise to help the team prepare and get ready to play. If that happens it will take some adjusting. If that’s the case, it’ll be about guys being able to help each other out as well, particularly senior players being able to take a bit of time off your own game and help someone else out at training or something like that.” he added.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Open To Playing In The IPL If It Takes Place This Year
