Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batter, has revealed the reasons behind his unusual decision to step away from cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including not even touching a bat for a considerable period. Smith, who retired from ODIs following Australia's semi-final appearance in the tournament, is now focused on the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's.

Turning 36 just last week, Smith spent his time off in New York, working with a new personal trainer on a revised fitness regime. He felt he was strong as he was in 2014, with improved mobility in his hips which could assist him in taking better catches at slips.

In a recent interview, Smith explained that he made a "conscious effort" to keep the bat out of his hands, a stark contrast to his usual habits. "I would normally have a bat laying around the house somewhere and just pick it up and do a bit of shadow batting and stuff," Smith confessed. "But I made a conscious decision to try and just let it go for a while." This decision highlights a significant shift in Smith's approach to the game, indicating a need to mentally and physically refresh after years of relentless cricket.

Smith also opened up about a pivotal moment that triggered a change in his mindset: the Adelaide Test failure against India in December 2024. While details of the specific match aren't elaborated upon, Smith implied that the experience served as a wake-up call. The Adelaide Test, where he sustained a blow to his thumb in the nets, was part of a series where Smith struggled to find his usual form. In the first Test at Perth, he recorded a golden duck in the first innings and only managed 17 runs in the second. Across 13 Tests in the ICC World Test Championship cycle (2023-2025), he averaged a subpar 32.82, a noticeable dip from his career standards.

This period of low scores and the concerning trend of dismissals, particularly LBWs, prompted Smith to re-evaluate his game and preparation. He was averaging just 23.20 in 2024, with only one fifty in seven Tests, a significant drop considering his career average. The technical analysis revealed a vulnerability to deliveries aimed at his stumps, a weakness that opponents had begun to exploit.

After his break, Smith was eager to return to the nets, telling Australian coach Andrew McDonald, "Can we play tomorrow, I am ready to go." Despite his teammates playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or representing English counties to prepare for the WTC final, Smith chose a different path, focusing on personal fitness and mental recuperation. His confidence suggests that the time away has been beneficial, both physically and mentally.

Now, Smith is aiming to continue his strong form in Test cricket and add another century to his record. Having scored a century in the 2023 WTC final against India in the UK, he is determined to replicate that success against South Africa. In his last five Tests across India and Sri Lanka, he has already scored four centuries, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from periods of low form.