An extended break from bowling has helped former Test allrounder Steve Smith rediscover his natural rhythm at the crease.
Smith, who had played Test, one-day and Twenty20 cricket for Australia by the age of 21, noted in the pre-season that batting would be his priority this summer.
The 23-year-old, one of many to be lugged with the `most promising Australian spinner since Shane Warne’ tag in his youth, sent down just 11 overs in the first half of the Sheffield Shield season.
Smith not only stopped thinking about the art of spin, he recently took the unusual step of not bowling for almost a month.
The early signs are positive and Smith feels ready to let rip for the Sydney Sixers if given the chance in the Big Bash League.
“I didn’t really have a bowl at all for about a month. I just tried to pretty much forget a few things and come back a little bit more natural,” Smith told AAP.
“It was just getting a bit of rhythm back again and first net I had back bowling, I felt pretty good.
“So it’s now about getting out there, getting lots of balls in, getting the confidence up and just trying to spin the ball hard.
“Hopefully I get a chance to bowl in a game in the next couple of weeks.”
That could prove tricky, with the Sixers boasting Stephen O’Keefe as well as talented international tweakers Jeevan Mendis and Sunil Narine.
“We’ve got some good bowling stocks … I’m happy at the moment just circling the outfield, doing what I can and hoping the boys do a good job,” the dynamic fielder said ahead of Sunday’s BBL final rematch against Perth Scorchers at the SCG.
“We started off well and hopefully we can continue that form on Sunday night.”
The Sixers will be shooting for a 13th consecutive T20 win on Sunday night, an amazing record for any team – let alone one playing the helter-skelter form of the game.
Smith, who skippered the side due to Brad Haddin’s regular absence in their triumphant inaugural BBL campaign, said a focus on fun has contributed to their dominance.
“The way that we’ve been successful, we’ve gone out with a smile on our faces and enjoyed each other’s company.
“That’s been pretty key to our success so far.”
Perth have been bolstered by the inclusion of South African quick Alfonso Thomas and opener Shaun Marsh, who injured his hamstring in the side’s first clash of the BBL season.
“Obviously we have not had the start to this tournament that we were hoping for, but I am sure everyone is very keen to bounce back,” Scorchers coach Justin Langer said of his side’s 0-2 start.
Sydney Sixers 13-man squad: Brad Haddin (capt), Nic Maddinson, Dan Smith, Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Stephen O’Keefe, Dominic Thornely, Brett Lee, Ian Moran, Josh Lalor, Luke Feldman, Sunil Narine, Jeevan Mendis (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named)
Perth Scorchers 13-man squad: Simon Katich (capt), Shaun Marsh, Marcus North, Herschelle Gibbs, Adam Voges, Tom Triffitt, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Alfonso Thomas, Michael Beer, Brad Hogg, Joe Mennie, Marcus Stoinis (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named)
