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From "chubby leggie" to defining a generation of cricket: Paine hails Smith's career so far
Charles Goodsir • January 29th, 2025 12:28 pm
Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has reflected on Steve Smith’s debut and meteoric rise as one the country’s greatest cricketers ahead of his 10,000-run milestone.
Paine debuted for Australia alongside Smith in 2010 at Lord’s against Pakistan. Smith was famously selected as a bowling all-rounder and registered scores of 1 and 12 in his first Test match batting at 8.
While there were early signs that Smith would have a successful career, Paine admitted that no one expected the “chubby leggie” to define a generation of cricket.
“In his second Test at Headingley, Smith scored 70-odd,” Paine told SEN.
“He was batting at nine and he was playing some shots that showed us that this guy is different.
“It was strange but it was good. We played a few ODIs and when the field was up, he would play some extraordinary shots and hit the ball to some quite strange areas.
“Only Greg Chappell at that stage thought he could become a world class batter. We all thought he’d just be a leg spinner who would be a skilled 8 or 9 batter.
“To see what he’s done since then has been absolutely extraordinary.
“We have been watching one of the greatest batters that has ever been seen.”
Smith was stranded on 9,999 runs when he was dismissed in the second innings of the 5th Test in Sydney against India. The 35-year-old is on the brink of joining Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh as the only other Australians to reach 10,000 career Test runs.
Despite nearing the end of his illustrious career, Paine believes Smith has plenty more left to give the sport.
“He’s got a long way to go if he wants,” Paine added.
“So long as the desire is still there, which I personally think it is.
“His reaction will be key after he scores 10,000 runs because it’s always something that he has wanted.
“The way he’s playing and what I know of him, he is still at a really high level. Once that disappears, the drive does as well and there’s no signs of that yet.
“Hopefully he can continue for a few more years.”
The first of two Tests between Australia and Sri Lanka begins in Galle on Wednesday afternoon (AEDT). Listen to every ball of the series LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.
