Ashes 2023: Ahead of 100th Test Steve Smith won’t commit to future, provides support for Pat Cummins

Ahead of his 100th Test, Steve Smith says his career is a ‘game-by-game’ proposition as he stands by captain Pat Cummins in the face of local outrage at the Jonny Bairstow dismissal.

Steve Smith says he would gladly provide counsel to under-fire Pat Cummins about handling a public character assassination but suggests the Australian captain is comfortable in his own skin.

Vice-captain Smith, speaking ahead of his 100th Test this week, also once more cast doubt over his long-term future, saying that he was a “game by game” proposition at this stage of his career.

Smith reaches a ton of appearances in the baggy green on the back of a 32nd Test century, drawing level with Steve Waugh and leaving Smith behind only Ricky Ponting (41) for Australia.

It has taken Smith just under 13 years to reach 100 Tests, a mark at which he would have arrived more quickly if not for his 12-month suspension over his involvement in the infamous ball tampering plot of 2018, for which Smith also lost the Test captaincy.

While there is no threat of a similar fate befalling Cummins this time around, he is nevertheless being attacked by a raft of English commentators over his decision to maintain an appeal against Jonny Bairstow when the England wicketkeeper crept out of his crease on day five of the second Test at Lord’s, a match Australia won by 43 runs.

Cummins congratulates Smith on his century at Lord’s. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Though clearly within the rules, there has been considerable debate about whether Cummins’ actions were in the spirit of cricket. Comparisons have been drawn with both the Sandpapergate episode and underarm ball.

Cummins laughed off a suggestion about whether his Aussies would consider bowling underarm when pressed following the match on Sunday.

Smith said he was there for Cummins if needed, but suspected Cummins would take the criticism in his stride.

“Yeah, if he wants to talk about it,” Smith said.

“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 obviously been through a lot and had the experiences. So my door is always open.

“It’s Patty’s team, and I am there to help him in any way I can since he took over from Painey (Tim Paine) a few years ago. I’m just here to help and I think he is doing a tremendous job.”

Smith has regularly been subjected to booing and taunts about Cape Town, but said he was unperturbed by the attention from the crowd.

“Honestly it doesn‘t bother me,“ Smith 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. Everyone can say what they want to say. But I am comfortable in my own skin.”

With two Test centuries already on this tour, Smith has shown he remains a force. But the ex-skipper has been cryptic over the past year about how long he planned to play,

He provided little clarity when pressed ahead of this milestone match.

Ahead of his 100th test match Smith says he still loves the game. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“Don’t know, not sure. I will take it game by game. Just enjoy myself out in the middle. And while I am enjoying myself and feel like I can improve and contribute to the team, and feel good about helping the team then I will keep playing. But I don’t know,” Smith said.

The champion batter said he remained in love with the game, and that he had only once in his career genuinely lost his passion; while dealing with an elbow issue during his 12-month ban in 2019.

“The only time I reckon I have not liked the game was when I had my elbow brace on when I had my operation. I don’t know why for some reason I didn’t enjoy the game or want to play the game,” Smith said.

“The moment I had my elbow brace off I was suddenly in love with the game again back in 2019. That was probably it. Outside of that I am grateful for everything the game has given me. I am coming up to my hundredth game, and I am so excited.”

Australia has not won an away Ashes series since 2001, and would secure that achievement with a win at Headingley. Smith said doing so would tick off one of his long-term ambitions.

“It’s certainly been on mine and a lot of the other boys’ bucket lists to tick it off over here. We’re in a good position now being 2-0 up. One more big game and we’re home. Hopefully it’s next week,” Smith said.