Steven Smith has always delivered at Lord’s — and now, he’s gearing up to do it once again, this time on the grand stage of the ICC World Test Championship Final.
The seasoned Australian has played five Tests at the iconic Lord’s during five separate tours of England, and his record there speaks volumes. But this match is different. It won’t be against England, and more importantly, it’s not just another Test — it’s a shot at the title. While the occasion may be new, Smith hopes to light up familiar territory in his trademark style.
Australia has arrived in England and kicked off preparations for the final. On Wednesday, 12 of the 15-man squad trained in Beckenham. Josh Hazlewood and Josh Inglis, fresh off the IPL final, along with fellow IPL star Travis Head, are yet to join the group.
Smith made the most of the first training session, spending a long time in the nets. Later, speaking to ICC Digital, he shared his excitement about the upcoming clash.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the UK for another Test Championship Final. It’s always great to come here, and I love playing in England.”
“It’s still early days — there’s a bit of breeze around — but it feels good to get started, to find a bit of rhythm, and hit a few balls in the nets. We’re looking ahead to Lord’s.”
Smith’s record in England has always been outstanding. He has scored eight centuries in 22 Tests there — more than in any other country outside Australia — with an impressive average of 55.
At Lord’s, his numbers are even better. In five Tests, he has two centuries and two fifties, averaging 58.33.
Now 36, Smith is ready to dominate once again on a pitch he knows well and loves dearly.
“We’ve had some great memories at Lord’s. I personally have some really fond memories here as well. We’re all excited to get started.”
“South Africa are certainly a very strong team. It should be a great contest, and hopefully, we can lift another Test Championship trophy.”
Smith first played a Test at Lord’s back in 2010, then still seen as a leg-spinning all-rounder. Batting at No. 8 and 9 against Pakistan, he managed just 1 and 12. Even in the 2013 Ashes, he was far from the player he would become, scoring 2 and 1 while batting at six.
But his love affair with Lord’s began in earnest in 2015. During that Ashes series, he hammered a career-best 215 — his first double hundred in Tests and his second-highest score overall — followed by a solid 58 in the second innings.
In the 2019 Ashes, he struck 92 in a single innings. And on his most recent tour in 2023, he marked the occasion with yet another century.
All told, Smith has scored 525 runs at Lord’s. With another big innings, he could become the most successful overseas batter at the venue. Currently, the record for most runs by a visiting batter at Lord’s in five Tests belongs to Australia’s Warren Bardsley (575), followed by Sir Garfield Sobers (571 in five matches) and Sir Donald Bradman (551 in four).
Smith is now on the cusp of making more history — and Lord’s, once again, is the stage.
