Steve Smith’s Sharp Response: ‘Batting Isn’t His Role’ in AUS vs WI Match
Australian vice-captain Steve Smith has publicly supported national batting coach Michael Di Venuto amid criticism from former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy. Healy had suggested that Australia’s batting has declined under Di Venuto’s leadership since 2021, particularly after a disappointing performance in the first Test against the West Indies. Smith, recovering from a finger injury, defended Di Venuto’s contributions and emphasized the need for players to take responsibility on the field. He also provided an update on his recovery and his anticipation of returning for the second Test.
Smith Defends Di Venuto’s Coaching
In response to Ian Healy’s claims that Michael Di Venuto should be held accountable for the Australian batting team’s struggles, Steve Smith firmly defended the coach’s role. Smith argued that players must learn to adapt and perform independently during matches. He stated, “(Di Venuto’s) not the one out there actually doing the batting. Guys have to be able to figure it out themselves.” This underscores the belief that while coaching is critical, the ultimate responsibility lies with the players on the field. Smith further emphasized Di Venuto’s hard work and expertise, noting, “He knows batting inside out. He’s done a wonderful job for a long time now.” Smith’s remarks indicate strong team support for Di Venuto amid growing concerns about batting performances.
Australia’s Struggles Against West Indies
Australia faced significant challenges during the first Test against the West Indies, as highlighted by the underwhelming performances of key players. Cameron Green managed scores of just 3 and 15, while Josh Inglis contributed 5 and 12. Such results led Healy to suggest that the batting coaches of both the national team and state teams should be under scrutiny due to a lack of runs being scored nationwide. Healy pointed out that Di Venuto, despite being a friend, has presided over a decline in batting performance since he took the role in mid-2021. Statistics reveal a notable decrease in the batting average of Australia’s top three, dropping from 45.94 in 2022 to 27.04 in 2025, highlighting the urgency for improvement as the team prepares for upcoming matches.
Smith’s Recovery and Return to Play
Steve Smith is on the mend following a compound dislocation of his finger, an injury sustained during the World Test Championship final against South Africa. He missed the first Test against the West Indies but is optimistic about returning for the second Test in St. George’s. Smith shared insights into his recovery process, mentioning that while in New York, he found a makeshift batting cage to practice. “It was nice to hit a few balls,” he noted. As he prepares for his comeback, Smith is adapting to fielding with a splint on his finger, indicating a willingness to adjust his playing style temporarily. He expressed confidence in his physical readiness, stating, “I don’t feel any pain or anything. It’s all feeling good.”
Support for Struggling Teammates
In light of the recent criticisms surrounding the batting lineup, Smith extended his support to teammates like Cameron Green and Sam Konstas, who have struggled to make an impact. He emphasized the importance of patience in player development, recalling his own early career experiences. “I think back to the start of my career, I think it took me 11 innings to score a hundred,” he said, encouraging a longer-term perspective on player growth. As the team gears up for the second Test, Smith believes in the capabilities of his teammates and the potential for improvement as they adapt to the pressures of international cricket. The second Test is set to commence on Thursday, and all eyes will be on the Australian team to see if they can turn their fortunes around.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
