Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar recently offered insight into the reasons why Australia’s Steve Smith managed staggering success in the Ashes series in England. Smith racked up a record sum of 774 runs in the series across 7 innings, as his stunning run-spree allowed Australia to retain the Ashes.
Talking about the adjustments Smith made in his technique throughout the five-match battle, Tendulkar pointed out how he was earlier uncomfortable against Jofra Archer’s express pace but later left the ball more patiently.
“At Lord’s, especially against Jofra Archer, there were a few short-pitched deliveries that got him in trouble because he was actually getting in line (with the short ball) a little bit on the back foot. The most important thing for any batter is to keep your head position forward … or at least in line (with your feet),” Tendulkar said.
“I’m sure he’s gone back and worked on his technique and his set-up … In the fourth and fifth Tests, against short-pitched bowling, he was leaving the ball (by ducking forwards) rather than (leaning backwards). So, his head was going forward,” he further elaborated.