Steve Smith Rejuvenates: Focus on Test Cricket Keeps Australian Veteran Fresh

Steve Smith's decision to concentrate solely on Test cricket has allowed the veteran Australian cricketer to maintain freshness throughout the season. Previously, playing across all formats left Smith drained, but his retirement from ODIs and his subsequent rest period seem to have worked wonders for his mental and physical well-being.

Smith will be leading Australia in the initial Ashes Test in Perth on November 21, as regular captain Pat Cummins recovers from a back injury. At 36, Smith now spends the Australian winter in New York and had abstained from batting since August, which seems to have rejuvenated him for the upcoming battle.

Discussing his reinvented approach, Smith told reporters about the importance of remaining mentally fresh. He emphasized that prioritizing Test cricket and reducing time in the nets allows him to deliver peak performances, as demonstrated during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last season.