For cricket enthusiasts in Australia, the debate over who stands taller among cricket’s pantheon of greats often circles back to Steve Smith versus Sachin Tendulkar. Both players, in their respective eras, have left indelible marks on the game, but how do their performances stack up when we look at their stats after exactly 114 Tests? Let’s delve into this fascinating comparison, tailored for the Australian audience who’ve witnessed Smith’s ascent firsthand.
The Legends in Question
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “Master Blaster,” is a name that resonates with cricket fans worldwide, including here in Australia, where his battles against some of our best bowlers are legendary. His career spanned from 1989 to 2013, during which he played 200 Tests, amassing records that are still untouched.
Steve Smith, on the other hand, has become Australia’s modern-day batting maestro. His career took off in 2010, and since then, he has been a pivotal figure in Australia’s Test cricket, especially noted for his exceptional performance in the Ashes. Smith has not only earned accolades but also the adulation of fans across Australia for his unique technique and resilience.
When we narrow down their careers to 114 Tests each, we get a direct comparison that’s both intriguing and informative:
Runs Scored:
Sachin Tendulkar: After 114 Tests, Tendulkar had scored a monumental 8,877 runs. His consistency was one of his hallmarks, with a knack for scoring big when it mattered.
Steve Smith: By the same benchmark, Smith had amassed 8,647 runs. His tally, while slightly less than Tendulkar’s, was achieved with a higher average, showcasing his dominance in contemporary cricket.
Average:
Tendulkar: His average stood at 57.02 after 114 Tests, which is impressive considering the variety of bowling attacks he faced throughout his career, including some of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.
Smith: Smith’s average was an astonishing 61.32 at this point, making him one of the highest average scorers in Test cricket history. This figure speaks volumes about his technical prowess and his ability to adapt against modern-day bowling attacks.
Centuries and Half-Centuries:
Tendulkar: He had notched up 32 centuries and 33 half-centuries. His 32 centuries, while impressive, were often scored under immense pressure, both from opposition and expectation.
Smith: Smith had 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries after 114 Tests. His conversion rate from half-centuries to centuries might seem lower, but his centuries often came in critical situations, particularly during Ashes series against England.
Strike Rate:
Tendulkar: His strike rate was about 53.05, which reflects the era he played in, where Test cricket was often more about survival and accumulation rather than aggressive scoring.
Smith: Smith’s strike rate was significantly higher at 56.17, indicative of the shift towards more aggressive play in modern Test cricket, where he has been a trailblazer.
Performance Against Australia/India:
Here, the comparison gets particularly interesting for Australians. Tendulkar scored 3,630 runs against Australia in 39 Tests at an average of 55.00, which includes some of the most memorable innings in cricket history. His performances in Australia were something of a nightmare for Aussie fans, with his technique and temperament often outshining even our best.
Conversely, Smith’s record against India is commendable but not as extensive, with 1,773 runs in 20 Tests at an average of 65.66. His performances in India, particularly the double centuries, have been crucial, but the sample size is smaller compared to Tendulkar’s against Australia.
Away vs. Home Performances:
Tendulkar: His performances away from home were exemplary, with an average of 54.90 in away Tests, showcasing his adaptability to different conditions around the world.
Smith: Smith has also been exceptional overseas, with an average of 60.15 away from home, slightly better than his home average, which speaks to his ability to perform under pressure, especially in England against a formidable bowling attack.
The Context of Their Eras
It’s crucial to consider the context in which these numbers were achieved:
Tendulkar’s Era: He faced some of the greatest bowlers in history like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, and Muttiah Muralitharan. The pitches and cricketing conditions during his time were also different, with the game often slower and more attritional.
Smith’s Era: Smith has had to contend with a different set of challenges, including the rise of T20 cricket influencing Test strategies, the pressure of playing in an era where every match is scrutinized through social media, and the consistent threat of modern bowling attacks like those led by James Anderson and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The Qualitative Debate
Beyond numbers, the qualitative aspects of their games offer more to the debate:
Technique and Adaptation: Tendulkar was known for his classical technique, his ability to play both fast and spin bowling with equal ease, and his capacity to adapt his game as he aged. Smith, with his unorthodox technique, has redefined what it means to be a technically proficient batsman, learning from his early career struggles to become one of the most consistent scorers.
Impact and Leadership: Tendulkar’s influence extended beyond his batting, inspiring a generation of cricketers in India and around the world. Smith, while not as long-serving a captain, has shown leadership, particularly during the 2019 Ashes, where his batting and captaincy were instrumental in reclaiming the urn.
Moments of Magic: Australians remember Tendulkar’s Sharjah innings, his centuries in Sydney, and numerous other moments that seemed to defy cricketing logic. Smith’s 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes, his comeback from a year-long ban to score centuries in England, and his resilience in India are similarly etched in Australian cricket lore.
In Summary
In terms of raw statistics after 114 Tests, Steve Smith edges out Sachin Tendulkar with a higher average, slightly better strike rate, and a similar number of centuries with more half-centuries. However, this comparison does not diminish Tendulkar’s achievements but rather highlights the evolution of the game and the changing benchmarks for greatness.
For the Australian audience, this comparison serves as a bridge between two eras of cricket. While Tendulkar’s feats were part of Australia’s cricketing nightmares, Smith’s achievements are a source of national pride. Both have had periods where they’ve been the best in the world, but their styles, the eras they dominated, and their impact on cricket’s narrative are unique.
As cricket continues to evolve, so will the debates around who stands where in the pantheon of greats. But for now, Australian fans can celebrate Steve Smith’s remarkable record while acknowledging the timeless legacy of Sachin Tendulkar. Each player, in his own way, has not only entertained but also elevated the game of cricket.