There’s something almost magical about watching Steve Smith bat. The way he shuffles across the stumps, that distinctive trigger movement, the methodical dismantling of bowling attacks – it’s like watching a chess grandmaster play speed chess while everyone else is still learning the rules.
Steven Peter Devereux Smith didn’t just become one of cricket’s greatest batsmen; he rewrote the entire playbook on what batting excellence looks like. From a leg-spinning all-rounder who could bat a bit to the most technically gifted run-machine of his generation, Smith’s transformation defies conventional wisdom about cricket careers.
But who is Steve Smith beyond the statistics? What makes this 36-year-old Australian tick? From his modest beginnings in Kogarah to becoming cricket’s most fascinating batting enigma, Smith’s journey reads like a masterclass in perseverance, adaptation, and sheer bloody-minded determination.
Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Peter Devereux Smith |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1989 |
| Age | 36 years |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (176 cm) |
| Birthplace | Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (Dual British citizenship) |
| Education | Menai High School (left at 17) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
| Role | Top-order batter |
| Jersey Number | 49 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million |
| Spouse | Dani Willis |
From Kogarah to Cricket Stardom
Born on June 2, 1989, in Kogarah, New South Wales, Steve Smith’s cricket story began in the suburban streets of Sydney. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (176 cm), Smith wasn’t the tallest kid on the block, but what he lacked in height, he more than made up for in hunger and ambition.
His educational journey took an interesting turn when he attended Menai High School. However, like many cricketers destined for greatness, Smith made the bold decision to leave school at 17 to pursue cricket professionally in England. This wasn’t just a leap of faith – it was a calculated risk that would define his entire career trajectory.
Smith’s mother was born in London, which granted him dual British and Australian citizenship. This connection to England would prove invaluable as he navigated the early stages of his professional career.
Similar: Josh Inglis Biography
International Debuts
Smith’s international career began with a bang – or rather, three bangs in quick succession. His debut story is quite remarkable when you consider the timeline:
- T20I Debut: February 5, 2010, vs Pakistan (Cap 43)
- ODI Debut: February 19, 2010, vs West Indies (Cap 182)
- Test Debut: July 13, 2010, vs Pakistan (Cap 415)
What’s particularly interesting is that Smith made his international debut as a leg-spinner who could bat a bit. Fast forward to today, and he’s primarily known as one of the world’s best batters who occasionally rolls his arm over. Talk about career evolution!
Jersey Number
His jersey number 49 has become synonymous with his unique batting technique. Whether it’s Tests, ODIs or T20Is, seeing Smith walk out in that number has sent shivers down opposition spines for over a decade.
Career Stats
Let’s be honest – numbers don’t lie, and Smith’s numbers are absolutely staggering:
Test Cricket Mastery
- Matches: 118
- Runs: 10,353
- Average: 56.27
- Centuries: 36
- Highest Score: 239
- Strike Rate: 53.59
That Test average of 56.27 places him among the elite company of cricket’s greatest batsmen. To put this in perspective, only a handful of players in cricket history have maintained such consistency over an extended period.
ODI Excellence
- Matches: 170
- Runs: 5,800
- Average: 43.28
- Centuries: 12
- Highest Score: 164
- Strike Rate: 86.97
T20 International Performance
- Matches: 67
- Runs: 1,094
- Average: 24.86
- Highest Score: 90
- Strike Rate: 125.46
Note: Stats updated till 4th July 2025.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹13.89 Lakh |
| 2011 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | ₹92.0 Lakh |
| 2012-2013 | Pune Warriors India | ₹1.01-1.07 Cr |
| 2014-2015 | Rajasthan Royals | ₹4.0 Cr |
| 2016-2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | ₹4.0-5.5 Cr |
| 2019-2020 | Rajasthan Royals | ₹12.5 Cr |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals | ₹2.2 Cr |
The peak of his IPL earnings came during his time with Rajasthan Royals in 2019-2020, where he commanded ₹12.5 crores per season. This period coincided with his return to cricket after the sandpaper scandal suspension, making his high valuation even more remarkable.
ODI Retirement
Smith’s ODI retirement in March 2025 marked the end of a brilliant limited-overs career. His last ODI was against India on March 4, 2025.
The decision to retire from ODIs while continuing in Test cricket reflects the modern cricketer’s approach to workload management. At 36, Smith has strategically chosen to focus on the format where he’s most dominant – Test cricket.
Domestic & Franchise Career
Smith’s domestic and franchise career tells the story of a player who’s never forgotten his roots:
- New South Wales: 2007/08-present
- Sydney Sixers: 2011/12-present
- International Stints: Worcestershire, Sussex, Washington Freedom & Others
His loyalty to New South Wales and Sydney Sixers demonstrates the importance of state cricket in nurturing international talent. Even at the peak of his career, Smith has remained committed to these teams.
Similar: Sam Konstas Biography
Baffling Batting Technique
What makes Smith truly special isn’t just his statistics – it’s how he gets them. His batting technique, initially criticized as unorthodox, has become the subject of coaching manuals worldwide. The way he moves across the stumps, his unique trigger movements, and his ability to score runs in the most challenging conditions have redefined what constitutes good technique.
Former Australian captain Allan Border once said that Smith “makes the difficult look easy and the impossible look routine.” This perfectly encapsulates what makes Smith such a compelling cricketer to watch.
Net Worth
With a net worth of approximately $30 million, Smith has successfully converted his cricket prowess into financial success. This wealth comes from various sources:
- International cricket contracts
- IPL earnings
- Brand endorsements
- Domestic cricket contracts
- Commentary and media appearances
His financial success reflects not just his on-field performances but also his marketability as a global cricket icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Steve Smith’s height and age?
A: Steve Smith stands 5 feet 9 inches (176 cm) tall and is currently 36 years old, born on June 2, 1989.
Q: When did Steve Smith make his international debuts?
A: Smith made his T20I debut on February 5, 2010, ODI debut on February 19, 2010, and Test debut on July 13, 2010.
Q: What is Steve Smith’s jersey number?
A: Steve Smith wears jersey number 49 in both ODI and T20I formats.
Q: How much has Steve Smith earned from IPL?
A: Steve Smith has earned approximately ₹47.83 crores throughout his IPL career from 2010 to 2024.
Q: What are Steve Smith’s Test cricket stats?
A: In 118 Test matches, Smith has scored 10,353 runs at an average of 56.27 with 36 centuries and a highest score of 239.
Q: When did Steve Smith retire from ODIs?
A: Steve Smith’s last ODI was on March 4, 2025, against India, marking his retirement from the format.
Q: What is Steve Smith’s net worth?
A: Steve Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million.
Q: What was Steve Smith’s education background?
A: Steve Smith attended Menai High School but left at age 17 to pursue cricket professionally in England.
Q: Does Steve Smith have dual citizenship?
A: Yes, Steve Smith has dual British and Australian citizenship through his mother, who was born in London.
Q: What is Steve Smith’s bowling style?
A: Steve Smith bowls right-arm leg break and originally started his career as a leg-spinning all-rounder.