'I was probably below my standards' - Steve Smith acknowledges 2023 shortcomings but refrains from overthinking

Steve Smith is one of the finest players in modern-day cricket. His records across formats accentuate his greatness as a batter. He was part of the Australian side that won the World Test Championship final earlier this year before bagging the ODI World Cup crown last month.

While the 'Men in Yellow' have had a remarkably successful year, Smith's numbers have fallen considerably short of the surreal benchmark he has set for himself during the course of his glorious career. The right-handed batter has an average of 58.61 in Test matches. However, during the tours to India and England this season, Smith returned with averages of 37.30 and 29, respectively. The experienced campaigner acknowledged that he hasn't been able to match up to his lofty standards in 2023 but refused to read too much into it.

"I don't have to reinvent the wheel. I've performed at a high standard for a long period of time. (But) you're right - I was probably below my standards of what I want. For me, it's about not overthinking it, not overplaying too much, not changing too much. Just going out and trusting what I do and doing it for longer periods of time, hopefully to get the big runs and hopefully help our team have success," Smith was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

I certainly needed a little break after the World Cup, Now I feel like I'm in a good place: Steve Smith

Australia have had a very busy schedule in 2023. They had an away tour of India at the start of the year and also the World Test Championship final against the same opponents. There was the Ashes in England which they managed to hold onto with a 2-2 stalemate. A white ball tour to South Africa was followed by the ODI World Cup in India, where Smith averaged 33.55.

He was initially set to play the entirety of the five-match T20I series against India, right after the World Cup. However, he played only the first couple of games before returning home. Steve Smith said that the break was important for him as it helped him recharge his batteries. He mentioned that he is in a good space now and is looking forward to the impending three-match Test series against Pakistan at home.

"It's been a busy, busy year. I certainly needed a little break after the World Cup. It was good to have a week at home, and relax and refresh the mind and body as much as possible to get ready for this series. But now I feel like I'm in a good place. I think the boys feel like they're in a good place and are keen to get out and play some red-ball cricket again," the 34-year-old continued.

"It can be challenging with quite a busy schedule, but any sort of moment you can get to have a few days or a week just to get away from the game and get your mental side back to a position where you can go out and perform internationally, it's important," Smith added.

Earlier this year, Smith said that he was unsure about his Test future. During the Ashes, reports emerged about a potential retirement. However, he is now willing to take things slowly and is looking forward to the upcoming assignments of the national team and taking one day at a time to enjoy the cricket summer in his backyard.