04 July 2023 , 20:01
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Steve Smith is well accustomed to being labelled a cheat in England.
Whilst many viewed the 2019 Ashes series as redemption for a man who just a year previously had been stripped of the Australian captaincy in disgrace, others noted it for the hostile reception he received each time he walked out to the crease. Crowds waving sandpaper, relentless booing and angry shouts over his previous conduct, the main man for the tourists endured it all.
The barracking has not been diluted in the four years since. Throughout the Edgbaston Test, he was relentlessly serenaded by the Hollies with "we saw you cry on the telly" in reference to the tearful apology that proceeded the fallout in South Africa.
The 34-year old was not directly involved in the divisive moment at Lord's which saw Alex Carey run out Jonny Bairstow as he wandered from his crease. Nor was he at fault for Mitchell Starc inadvertently trying to claim a catch the previous evening having clearly dragged the ball along the ground. But his past conduct has been frequently mentioned amid the arguments since.
But addressing reporters on Monday, Smith shrugged off the perception of his character, and his team. “It doesn’t bother me,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I know the person I am, I know how I want to go about things. I am out here playing my game and for my country. Everyone can say what they like, it doesn’t bother me. I am comfortable in my own skin.”
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He is set to play his 100th Test at Headingley, and potentially his most volatile in terms of atmosphere. And yet the batsman is hardly the only tourist braced to be pilloried, with captain Pat Cummins and Carey himself undoubtedly in line for stick.
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And Smith has no qualms about helping his skipper if the temperature rises, adding: “If he wants to talk about it (he can). He is pretty comfortable in his own skin, he is happy with everything. Any of the guys, if anyone wants to talk about anything, I have been through a lot and had the experiences. My door is always open.”
Regardless of circumstances, the man with over 9,000 Test runs to his name is also closing on another career goal. The 2-2 draw four years ago ensured the Aussies retained the urn, but deprived Smith of the first away Ashes series win he craved.
But just one win from the remaining three matches will see Smith and co realise that ambition. In contrary, Ben Stokes' side must triumph at Leeds, Old Trafford and then The Oval if they are to pull off a remarkable series victory.