Some cricket players are recalled for their traditional shots and unblemished technique. Others, such as Steve Smith, gain attention for doing things in a very unconventional way and still succeeding. Smith's technique at the crease isn't something you'd learn from a coaching guide. And yet, he is one of the greatest Test batters in the contemporary game. This blog investigates in more detail why Steve Smith's peculiar technique succeeds and what we can learn from it. What Sets Steve Smith's Batting Apart? As you sit and watch Steve Smith play, several things jump out at you. His stance, his action prior to the ball being bowled, and even his shot choice appear unusual compared to the majority of batsmen. Unusual Stance The majority of batters stand with their shoulders sideways facing the bowler. Smith, however, has an open stance. His front shoulder is more directed towards mid-off, and his bat tends to be in the air rather than being placed behind his pad. Also Read | Virat Kohli-Reported X Account Finally Suspended After 13 Years Trigger Movement Smith shuffles across the crease at the point of release - sometimes a great deal. It appears that he is out of balance, but he always does end up being in the correct position when the ball gets there. Shot Making Smith plays late and soft-handed, and tends to play the ball to strange parts of the field. Once he settles his eyes, he has two to three shots for every ball that is been bowled to him. All these things go against the traditional coaching tips that tell you to keep your head still, bat straight, and use your front foot. But somehow, Smith makes it work. Why Does It Work for Him? Despite his strange method, Steve Smith scores big runs regularly. Here’s why: Also Read | CricketGully's Best XI of IPL 2025: Stars Who Ruled the Season Focus and Mental Strength Smith is a focal point sharp mind. He does not get distracted and always thinks about the next ball. He remains calm even when his team is in a crisis and gets through the difficult times. During the 2025 WTC Final match against South Africa, he entered the field when his team was in a crisis but performed well under pressure. The modern day bradman scored 66 runs in the first innings, and this innings came while rest of the batters struggled to settle against the challenging pace attack of South Africa. Still Head Position at the Point of Contact Although Smith moves extensively before the ball is bowled, he becomes stationary at the time he hits the ball. His head remains firm, and he keeps a close eye on the ball. This enables him to play late and with accuracy. Hand-Eye Coordination Smith does not depend much on his feet. He rather does it with his eyes and hands. He has excellent timing, and he is quick in response, which proves helpful in handling fast bowlers on pace friendly surfaces, and spinners in the sub-continent. Very few non-sub continent batters have achieved success on Asian pitches, and Steve Smith is one of them. Grit and Determination Smith has no fear of being hit or beaten. He soon forgets the previous ball and works on the next one. This allows him to live through long innings and score huge runs, even when bowlers are in top form. No matter whatever the conditions are, Smith's confidence and determination allows him to tackle any situation he plays in. Also Read | Watch: Jansen’s Three-Try Catch Sends Smith Packing in WTC Final Why Did He Select This Style? Smith used not to bat like this. He was an early-career leg-spinner who could bat a bit. When he began to concentrate more on his batting, he discovered that the normal way of batting didn't suit him. Therefore, he tried changing his stance and movements until he discovered a way that suited him. He has explained in interviews that he does not mind if it appears unusual - if it gets him runs, he is content. That self-assurance in playing his own way is one of the reasons that he succeeds. Conclusion Steve Smith is nearing the end of his career. From being a bowler to Australia's batting pillar, his career has been great. His technique might not appeal to all, but his performances are a testament to him. As cricket lovers, we might not get to witness a player with this kind of unorthodox technique performing so well for many years. As long as Steve Smith is there, scoring runs in his own special manner, sit back and enjoy. Because cricket, being like any art form, is about conveying yourself - and nobody does it quite like Steve Smith.