Super sleuth Smith a cut above the rest

Steve Smith is Australia’s batting Superman, so it is no surprise that he has developed supernatural hearing.

Smith, who became the first batsman to score 1500 international runs in an Australian season during his match-winning century in the World Cup semifinal, was the instigator of the successful decision review that snared the important wicket of Ajinkya Rahane during India’s run chase.

The edge drawn by Mitchell Starc grazed the bat so softly that wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, usually the most ardent appealer in the team, did not raise a whisper let alone his glove.

But Smith, who was at cover, heard something and convinced Michael Clarke to send it upstairs. The result was the fall of India’s fifth wicket and with it their dreams of defending the World Cup.

“I thought that referral was pretty good,” Clarke said.

It was as good as Smith’s batting which, as dynamic and forceful as it was during the Test series, has found new legs in the one-day arena.

Smith’s 105 at the SCG, his seventh century at home this summer, took his tally for the season to 1591.

It is 10 years since Ricky Ponting, then Australia’s commanding No.3 as Smith is now, reached 1473 runs for the season.

Others to score beyond 1200 were Matthew Hayden (1377) during his triple-century season in 2003-04, Ponting (1280) in that same period, David Boon (1256) in 1991-92 when the World Cup was last hosted here and Greg Chappell (1234) in 1980-81.

Smith said the formula for his success was relatively simple and involved him sticking to the same practice and preparation habits no matter what, where or who he was playing.

“I guess preparation has been the key. I’m doing the same thing over and over again, and trying to stay on my innings the same way every time,” Smith said.

Clarke confirmed that Smith’s work rate was one of his key traits, but said he had also made the most of his opportunity when promoted to No.3.

Smith has done so well in such a short period that he has nearly doubled his ODI average from the low base of 20.00 last August to 39.29 after the semifinal.

“The one thing I’ve learnt through my career is getting into good form and scoring runs is a fantastic feeling,” Clarke said. “But still, to go to training the next day to work on your game, to try and become better, is one of the hardest things to do in this game.”