How innovative tweak in batting stance proved to be catalyst behind Steve Smith's resurgence

Steve Smith's invative tweak in his batting stance has proven to be catalyst behind his resurgence in ongoing World Cup. Australian cricket star, who had been grappling with a mir slump in form, rebounded spectacularly during a match against Nerlands, smashing a resilient 71 off 68 balls and contributing to a formidable 132-run partnership with David Warner, who secured a remarkable century. This dynamic duo's performance laid groundwork for Australia's imposing total of 399/8 in Delhi.

3 things you need to kw

• Steve Smith ended his slump in form with a resilient 71 
• This was Smith's first fifty in ongoing World Cup 2023 
• Smith forged a 132-run partnership with David Warner

ALSO READ: 'Guys will be hurting': Ryan Cook after Australia crush Nerlands' spirit

Steve Smith's adjustments during practice session

Smith attributed his successful return to form to some subtle adjustments made during practice sessions. "I moved back to leg stump a little bit. I got my hands a little bit higher than what y've been for last week. For some reason, y've dropped down a bit. I just felt it in nets and everything sort of clicked back into place again," Smith said during a mixed-zone interaction after Australia beat Nerlands by a record 309 runs.

34-year-old batter candidly ackwledged his temporary loss of form during tournament, ting, "I felt like I was batting well a couple of weeks back against India. I thought I was actually getting back through ball nicely on a pretty tough surface and playing well and n for a week kind of lost it for a bit."

Smith's tournament began with a promising 46 against India but was followed by three low scores, including 19, 0, and 7. He attributed se early setbacks to facing challenging deliveries but expressed his belief in his abilities, saying, "I got a couple of nice balls, I suppose one that swung back and got me out, and Rabada's, which was a little questionable. I felt like I've been batting really well. I just needed to get feel again."

Australian batter appeared well on his way to securing a century before being dismissed for 71 by a brilliant catch from Roelof van der Merwe at backward point. Despite missing out on three-figure mark, Smith was content with his performance, stating, "It would have been nice to kick on for a little bit longer and have a bit of fun, but yeah, it was a nice platform that we were able to set."

ALSO READ: Glenn Maxwell credits IPL after hitting fastest ODI World Cup hundred

India and South Africa playing good cricket: Smith 

Looking ahead at World Cup, Smith ackwledged strengths of both India and South Africa, currently positioned at .1 and .2 in points table respectively. He ted, "I think both of those sides are playing really good cricket. South Africa's batting is structured similarly to what we did in this sort of game, trusting ir top five batters to build a platform and relying on players like Klassen and Miller to deliver at back end."

Australia's Glenn Maxwell was ar standout performer, smashing fastest ODI World Cup century in just 40 balls during match against Nerlands. Smith applauded Maxwell's incredible achievement and remarkable shots, emphasising that he has long been capable of such performances.

"Incredible, wasn't it? Some seriously good shots re," Smith said. "We have seen Maxi (Maxwell) play for some time and w he's capable of that kind of things. Some of those shots were extraordinary, so tremendous to watch. It was a pretty incredible effort."

2023 World Cup has witnessed several high-scoring matches, with six totals of 350 or more runs posted, led by South Africa. Smith attributed se high scores to conditions and nature of pitches being used in tournament. "It's always wicket-dependent," he said. "We have to assess conditions."

Australia is scheduled to face New Zealand in ir next match on October 28, and Smith and his team will aim to maintain ir momentum in tournament as y compete for World Cup glory.