“It all just clicked”: Smith finding form at the right time after quality ODI knock

Australia got the job done in their first game of the 2024/25 international summer, beating Pakistan by two wickets in the first ODI at the MCG.

Chasing 204 to win, the Aussies were in a tricky spot as they lost wickets in groups, but captain Pat Cummins steadied the ship late with 32 not out to guide the team home.

At number three, Steve Smith helped himself to a quality 44 off 46 balls, while Josh Inglis made 49 off 46 at number four - no other batters apart from Cummins passed 16.

Smith’s knock in particular included six boundaries as he looked comfortable at the crease, and the superstar himself admits that he finds himself in a nice place having recently endured a tough Shield game at the venue against Victoria.

“I felt good out in the middle, which was nice,” Smith told SEN Cricket.

“I didn't spend as long as I would have liked in the middle in that Shield game, but I had a hit the day after that game and I started to feel really good then - I was a day late.

“But my last week of preparation has been really good, I feel like I'm in a nice place. 

“I'm moving really well, I’m really balanced at the crease and I feel like my bat is coming down on a nice plane.

“I was happy with the way I about it tonight. It would be nice to have been out there a little bit longer, but it wasn’t to be.”

While there are a couple of ODIs against Pakistan to come this week, Smith thinks that he’s ready to go for the upcoming Test series against India right now.

With a move back to No. 4 set for the all-time great this summer, Smith thinks his technique is beginning to really click just at the right time.

“I'm ready now,” Smith said.

“I could go out and play a Test match tomorrow, I feel like I'm in a good place. 

“I've had a really good week of training. I came down here early and had a few hits with Ron (Andrew McDonald).

“I was just trying to get a few things right that I felt like I didn't quite have in sync and it all just clicked. 

“I'm looking forward to that series, it’s going to be a belter, isn't it?”

The next ODI against Pakistan begins on Friday, November 8 at the Adelaide Oval.

The first of five Tests against India begins on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.