Steve Smith Wiki, Height, Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Steve Smith is an Australian cricketer. He has captained Australia in all 3 formats of the game and has won many tournaments. He was a member of the Australian team which won the T20 World Cup 2021 held in Dubai. He was also banned from international and domestic cricket for 12 months after being found guilty of ball tampering. He also became the number 1 ranked ICC test player in 2015. He is also a good fielder and is known for his athleticism.

Wiki/Biography

Steve Smith was born on Friday, 2 June 1989 (age 33 years: as of 2022) in Saint George, Sydney Australia. His full name is Steve Peter Devereux Smith. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He went to the secondary school Menai High School in Sydney, Australia. He has dual citizenship of Australia and England. In 2007, he moved to England and started playing club cricket for Sevenoaks Vine in the Kent League. He failed to submit an assignment in English subject, which led to him failing the Higher Senior Secondary (HSC) grade. He left school and decided to play cricket full-time.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 9″

Weight (approx.): 75 kg

Hair Colour: Blonde

Eye Colour: Light Blue

Body Measurements (approx.): Chest 40″, Waist 32″, Biceps 12″

Family

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Peter Smith, and his mother’s name is Gillian Smith. Peter has a degree in Chemistry and works with pigments and waxes. ^[1]The Sydney Morning Herald Peter is from Australia, and Gillian is from England; however, she got her Australian citizenship on 2 August 2021. He has an elder sister named Kristle Smith who is married.

Wife

He got married to Dani Willis on 15 September 2018 in Berrima, Sydney, Australia. Dani has graduated in Law and Commerce from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. ^[2]The Sydney Morning Herald

Relationships/Affairs

Before getting married to Dani Willis, he dated her for four years. Reportedly, they met at a bar following which they started dating each other.

Nationality

Steve Smith has dual citizenship, British and Australian. His father is from Australia, and his mother is from England.

Religion

He follows Christianity and is a Catholic Christian.

Signature/Autograph

Career

Domestic

In 2008, he was offered to play for Surrey in county cricket; however, he decided to play in Australia and played for Sutherland District Cricket Club. He started as a bowler; however, he later became the premier batsman for Australia. He was chosen for the under-19 Australian team later in the same year. ^[3]news.com.au He said in an interview that he dreamt of playing for Australia since childhood and said,

“I qualified for England through my mother, but ever since my father stuck a cricket bat in my hand when I was four, my dream was to wear that baggy green cap. I learnt a lot about cricket by playing in England but to return and get picked for NSW was terrific. Some people said England would be an easier way to play Test cricket, but that was not my dream. The dream was to play for Australia.” ^[4]The Guardian

He played for New South Wales and Sydney Thunder.

International

Under-19

He played for the Under-19 Australian team in the Under-19 World Cup 2008 in Malaysia. At the age of 19, he was selected for the Australian national team.

Test

He played his debut test match on 13 July 2010 against Pakistan at Lord’s Cricket Stadium, London, England and went on to play against all major test-playing nations. In the 2010 test series against Pakistan, he scored 77 runs in the second innings of the test match. In the 4-match series against India in 2013, he played in 2 matches and scored 161 runs. On 22 August 2013, he scored his first test century with 138 runs not out at Kensington Oval Stadium, London, England against England. In the 2013-14 series against England held in Australia, he scored 327 runs. In the 4-match series against India held in Australia in 2014-15, he scored 162 runs not out and 52 runs not out in the first and second innings respectively of the first test. He scored a century in each match of the series and was the highest runscorer in the series with 769 runs at an average of 128.17. In the 2014 calendar year, he scored 1146 runs at an average of 81.86. In the 2-match series against West Indies held in West Indies in 2014-15, he scored 283 runs at an average of 141.50 and was the highest runscorer in the series. In June 2015, he became the number 1 ICC Test batsman. In the 2015 Ashes, he scored 508 runs and was the highest runscorer in the series. In the second test, he made his first double-century, scoring 215 runs in the first innings. In the 2015 calendar year, he scored 1474 runs at an average of 73.70. In the 3-match series against Pakistan in 2016-2017, he scored 441 runs at an average of 110.25 and was the highest runscorer in the series. In the 4-match series against India in 2016-17, he scored 499 runs at an average of 71.29 and was the highest run-scorer in the series. He completed his 5000 test runs in that series. In the 2016 calendar year, he scored 1079 runs at an average of 71.93. In the thirst test of the 2017 Ashes, he scored 239 runs, which is his highest score in tests. In the same series, he scored 687 runs at an average of 137.40 and was the highest runscorer in the series. In the 2017 calendar year, he scored 1305 runs at an average of 76.76.

In the 2019 Ashes, he scored 774 runs at an average of 110.57 and was the highest runscorer in the series. In the first test, he scored 144 runs and 142 runs in the first and second innings respectively. In the third test, he made 211 runs in the first innings. In the 4-match series against India in 2020-21, he scored 313 runs at an average of 44.71. In the 2-match series against Sri Lanka in 2022, he scored 151 runs at an average of 75.50 and was the highest run scorer for his team.

ODI

He played his debut ODI match on 19 February 2010 against West Indies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia and went on to play against all major ODI-playing nations. On 7 October 2014, he scored his first ODI century with 101 runs against Pakistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. On 21 November 2014, he scored 104 runs against South Africa at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. On 23 January 2015, he scored 104 runs not out against England at Bellerive Oval Stadium, Hobart, Australia. On 26 March 2015, in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup, he scored 105 runs against India at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia. He was selected Man of the Match for his stellar performance. He scored 56 runs not out in the 2015 World Cup final against New Zealand, and Australia won the trophy.

On 12 January 2016, he scored 149 runs against India at WACA Ground, Perth, Australia. On 4 December 2016, he scored 164 runs against New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, his highest score in ODI. In the 2016 calendar year, he scored 1154 runs at an average of 50.17. On 19 January 2017, he scored 108 runs not out against Pakistan at WACA Ground, Perth, Australia. On 19 January 2020, he scored 131 runs not out against India at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India. On 11 September 2022, he scored 105 runs against New Zealand at Cazalys Stadium, Queensland, Australia.

T20I

He played his debut T20 match on 5 February 2010 against Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia and went on to play against all major T20-playing countries. On 31 August 2015, he scored 90 runs against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, England. On 25 March 2016, in a 2016 ICC T20 World Cup match, he scored 61 runs not out against Pakistan at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, India. He was a member of the Australian team which won the 2021 T20 World Cup held in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. On 14 October 2022, while playing against England, he completed 1000 runs in T20I. He was selected for the Australian team for the 2022 T20 World Cup; however, he did not play in any match.

Captaincy

In August 2015, he was made captain of the Australian test and ODI teams at the age of 25. He became the youngest and 45th captain of the Australian test team. On his selection as the captain of the Australian test and ODI teams, Chief selector Rod Marsh said,

“He has big shoes to fill but everything about him suggests he is the right man for the job. At 26, he is a fine young man with extraordinary talent, excellent leadership qualities and a terrific temperament.” ^[5]Al Jazeera

He was removed from captaincy in March 2018 post-ball-tampering controversy and banned from taking up any leadership role for 2 years. He became the vice-captain of the test team in November 2021. He captained Australia for a brief period during Ashes 2021-2022 when the captain Pat Cummins tested positive for COVID-19. ^[6]India Today

Indian Premier League (IPL)

He has played for Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Pune Warriors, and Rising Pune Supergiants. On 29 April 2016, he scored his only IPL century with 101 runs for Rising Pune Supergiants against Gujarat Lions at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, India. He captained Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 season and led them to the final. He scored 51 runs in the final; however, Pune lost by 1 run.

Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League

He played for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and was a member of the team which won the 2010-2011 Big Bash League. He has played for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League.

Injury

In 2016, he suffered an injury in the right wrist during midseason. ^[7]Deccan Chronicle In the 2017 series against India, he fell while fielding and suffered an injury in his right shoulder. ^[8]Special Broadcasting Service In 2019, on the fourth day of the second test, he was hit on the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer, and Steve fell to the ground. He was attended by the Physios and was forced to retire hurt.

Steve suffered an injury in his left elbow while playing the test series against Pakistan in 2021 and did not play in the ODI series against Pakistan. ^[9]Sportstar In 2022, while playing in the T20 match against Sri Lanka, he dived over to stop a six and suffered a mild concussion when he landed and his head hit the ground. ^[10]FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Limited

Controversy

Ball Tampering Incident/Sandpapergate Scandal

In the 2018 4-match series against South Africa, he was the captain of the Australian team. The incident happened during the third test played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa, when, on 24 March 2018 (the third day of the test), Australian player Cameron Bancroft tampered with the ball, using sandpaper. Commentator Mluleki Ntsabo and the third umpire Ian Gould saw him rubbing the ball with the sandpaper and putting it in his pants. Ian Gould contacted the on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Nigel Llong to have a word with Bancroft regarding this, and he showed the black cloth for his sunglasses to the umpires, claiming it the only item present in his pocket. Cameras were tracking his every move, and they captured the moments when he took out the yellow sandpaper from his pocket and put it in his pants. They also captured him rubbing the ball with the same sandpaper. The play continued on as the umpires did not find any unusual change in the ball.

In case you missed it, this #SandpaperGate #BallTampering is utterly outrageous. It’s just not cricket. #BanBancroft pic.twitter.com/Z3zpIA32Jr

— Emma Sadleir Berkowitz (@EmmaSadleir) March 24, 2018

At the end of the day’s play, Bancroft appeared in a conference with Smith and Bancroft and claimed that he rubbed the ball with the tape. Smith revealed that he knew about the plan; however, he did not take any steps to stop the unethical act of his fellow players. Bancroft said in the press conference,

“We had a discussion during the break and on myself I took an opportunity to use some tape, get some granules from the rough patches on the wicket and try to change the ball condition. It did not work. The umpires did not change the ball but once I was cited on the screens I panicked quite a lot and that resulted in me shoving it down my long trousers.” ^[11]The Telegraph

Steve mentioned that the move was planned by the leadership group however he did not mention the names of the people involved. He also did not resign from the captaincy. He said in the press conference,

“The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it (ball-tampering) at lunch. I am not proud of what has happened. It is not in the spirit of the game, not in line with my integrity, the team’s integrity. The leadership group’s integrity has come into question and rightly so. It is not on. It won’t happen again under my leadership I can promise you that. I still think I’m the right person for the job. I need to take control of the ship. This is certainly something I’m not proud of. I’m embarrassed to be sitting here talking about this.” ^[12]The Telegraph

Fans and players from all over the world criticized Australia for its dirty tactics. Match referee Andy Pycroft fined Cameron Bancroft 75% of of his match fee along with 3 demerit points. He also fined Steve Smith 100% of the match fee and banned him for one test. ^[13]The Indian Express Australian Prime Minister called Cricket Australia, urging them to take decisive action to protect its reputation. While addressing the media, he said,

“Our cricketers are role models and cricket is synonymous with fair play. How can our team be engaged in cheating like this? It beggars belief.” ^[14]The Telegraph

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland expressed his shock at the incident, and he said while talking to the media,

“Australian cricket fans want to be proud of their cricket team. I feel this morning they have every reason to wake up and not be proud of the team. One of the unique things about the game of cricket, is it is to be played not only within the laws of the game, but in the spirit of the game. And, activities on the field yesterday, are neither within the laws of the game or the spirit of the game.” ^[15]The Telegraph

Cricket Australia later found in its investigation that the plan was devised by the vice-captain David Warner during the lunch break in the dressing room and Bancroft did the act. South Africa won the match by 322 runs. After the match, Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith appeared in another press conference and admitted to the ball-tampering allegations. Bancroft said,

“I am sorry to the people who have looked up to me around the world, especially the kids. I know I’m a role model and haven’t acted like one in this instance. Words don’t mean much in these circumstances, so I will focus on my actions and my conduct going forward. Yes, I lied about the sandpaper and I panicked in that situation, and I’m very sorry. It’s so big because you know the action of doing it is completely wrong.” ^[16]Cricket Australia

David Warner was found as the main culprit in Cricket Australia’s investigation and he showed Bancroft how to rub the ball using sandpaper. David also addressed the media after this incident and said,

“To the fans and the lovers of the game who have supported and inspired me on my journey as a cricketer, I want to sincerely apologise for betraying your trust in me. To my teammates and support staff, I apologise for my actions and I take full responsibility for my part in what happened on day three of the Newlands Test. There’s a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I’m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again.” ^[17]Cricket Australia

Steve Smith admitted to his failure in keeping his team within the spirits of the game. He was accompanied by his father in the press conference.

He got emotional while talking to the media and with tears in his eyes, he said,

“I want to, as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility. I made a serious error in judgement.  It was a failure of leadership, my leadership. I say two things, or three things. Firstly, I’m deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket, I love entertaining young kids, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love. The two other things is that, any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about who you’re affecting, you’re affecting your parents. To see the way my old man’s been … it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain that I’ve brought to Australia and the fans and the public, it’s devastating and I’m truly sorry. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated. I’m the captain of the Australian team. It’s on my watch and I take responsibility of the actions of what happened last Saturday in Cape Town.” ^[18]Cricket Australia

After this incident, Steve Smith was removed from the captaincy, and he was banned from international and domestic cricket for 12 months. He was also banned from any leadership role. David Warner was removed from the vice-captain’s role and was banned from international and domestic cricket for 12 months and was also banned from any leadership role permanently. Cameron Bancroft was banned from international and domestic cricket for 9 months and banned from any leadership role for further 12 months. Following this, Cricket Australia removed manager Pat Howard and executive Ben Amarfio. CEO James Sutherland also resigned from his position after handling it for 17 years. Cricket Australia chairman David Peever and long-time member Mark Taylor also resigned from their roles. ^[19]Sky Sports

Awards

• Allan Border Medal – won thrice in 2015, 2018, and 2021 ^[20]Cricket Australia
  

  Steve Smith with his wife Dani after winning his 3rd Allan Border Medal

• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy – 2015

• ICC Male Test Cricketer of the Decade (2011-2020)

Humbled to be named Test player of the decade. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I’ve had a lot of fun, faced many challenges, learnt so much and now I can’t wait to see what the next decade has in store for me 🏏 🙏 pic.twitter.com/wdWWNynnce

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) December 31, 2020

• McGilvray Medal – won 4 times in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 ^[21]Australian Broadcasting Corporation

• Steve Waugh award – won twice in 2010 for the 2009-2010 season and in 2012 for the 2011-2012 season ^[22]Cricket NSW

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year – 2015

Car Collection

Steve Smith owns a Mercedes Benz C200, Rolls Royce, Porsche Cayenne, BMW M2, Audi Q7, and Range Rover.

Salary

His salary is £750,000 per year from Cricket Australia’s contract.

Net Worth

His net worth is £14 million.

Favourites

• Shot: Flick

• Food: Chicken Schnitzel, Acai, Lamb Korma

• Restaurant: Clovelly Hotel In Sydney

• TV Series: Two & A Half Men, Las Vegas, CSI, One Tree Hill

• Film: Home Alone 2 – Lost In New York

• Musician(s): Little Birdy, Vampire Weekend, La Roux, The Killers

Facts/Trivia

• He is fondly called ‘Smithy’ by his fans and teammates.

• He is the only player to become ICC test cricketer of the year twice (in 2015 and 2017). ^[23]ICC

• He is the fastest Australian batsman to complete 10000 runs in international cricket (232 innings). ^[24]Times Now

• He is the fastest batsman to complete 7000 test runs (126 innings) and 8000 test runs (151 innings).

• He has scored a century and a half-century in both innings of a match in most test matches (10 times).

• He is the second batsman to make more than 1000 test runs in 4 consecutive calendar years (2014-2017). ^[25]Cricket Australia

• He has the second-best career rating (947 points) in the test history. ^[26]Reliance ICC

• He is the youngest player to win Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (2015).

• He is the first player to win McGilvray Medal – 4 times.

• He likes playing Tennis, Scuba Diving, and photography. He considers Roger Federer as the best tennis player.
  

  Steve Smith (left) with Roger Federer

• He is an investor in Koala Mattress, Trade360 Limited, Oat Milk Goodness, and Snappr.

I am excited to start my partnership with @Trade360_LTD, this technology is truly amazing pic.twitter.com/gf11Blv6qn

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) May 4, 2020

• He launched The Steve Smith Cricket Academy in 2021.

The Steve Smith Cricket Academy. Coming soon 🏏 #stevesmithcricketacademy#SSCA pic.twitter.com/Us4iiRXLIa

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) March 19, 2021

• On 18 November 2017, he launched his autobiography titled The Journey: My Story, from Backyard Cricket to Australian Captain.

See you at Dymocks on Albert Street, Brisbane at 11am Saturday pic.twitter.com/l91WVTWwWd

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 14, 2017

• He uses New Balance Bats.

Thanks @NBCricket for the new sticks. They are outstanding. Hopefully a few runs in them today! #newbalance pic.twitter.com/vVwfnPIEiX

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 20, 2014

• He is arachnophobic, a person who fears spiders. ^[27]Cricket Australia

• He loves to do fishing in his leisure time. He is a partner in 4 horse racecourses in Australia.
  

  Steve Smith while fishing