Steve Smith says he's matured as a Test batsman

Steve Smith celebrates with captain Shane Watson

Australian cricketer, Steven Smith believes that he has matured as a Test batsman. Smith, who is playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL also expressed his desire to regain his position in Australia’s limited overs’ team.

“When I first started playing I played as a spinner and then when I got the opportunity as a batsman I was not quite ready either. To come back a couple of years later with a bit more experience and few more big runs has benefited me a lot,” Smith reported to PTI.

“Over the last couple of years it’s been a big development. I have been trying to get my batting right in all three forms of the game. I think I proved myself a little bit in Test cricket and I will work myself into ODIs and T20, it’s not too far away,” he added.

24-year-old Smith also expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the T20 squad.

“I was a little bit disappointed (at not being part of the Australian World T20 squad). But I have plenty of time to keep playing all three formats. It was nice to get a little bit of rest and prepare for the next 18 months,” he said.

Smith had started his career as a leg-break bowler but has turned into an batting all-rounder. After scoring an unbeaten 138 against England in the Ashes series last year, Smith feels that he belongs to the Test level.

“To me, I guess, a sense of belonging was there. I worked very hard on my game for the last 18 months. To get a couple of hundreds under my belt makes me feel I belong (to Test level). I worked hard on tightening up my technique, to become more patient when batting in Tests and it has paid off recently,” he stated.

Smith started his IPL career with the Pune Warriors. When asked about his experience with the Rajasthan Royals, Smith said: “I am excited. I was successful in the time I was there (with the Warriors). Was looking for a fresh start. Had heard lots about Rajasthan Royals as a very well organised and tight group. Since I have been here it has been really good.”

Commenting further on his team’s performance so far in the IPL, Smith said: “We were in a pretty good spot coming to India after having 3-2 in UAE and are playing some good cricket. We hope to carry on the momentum we started with.”