Few cricketers have seen their career arc shift as dramatically as Steve Smith’s — from leg-spinner to Test legend, through scandal and vertigo, his story is anything but straightforward. Here’s a look at the key chapters of his life and career, with the latest updates on his health and retirement.
Age: 35 (born 2 June 1989) (Sydney Sixers) · Test centuries: 34 (Wikipedia) · Batting average (Test): 59.8 (Wikipedia) · Retired from ODI: Yes (2024) (Wikipedia)
Quick snapshot
- Born 2 June 1989 in Sydney (Howstat)
- Test debut in 2010 (NDTV Sports)
- 34 Test centuries (Wikipedia)
- Banned 12 months for ball-tampering (CNN)
- Retired from ODI in 2024 (Wikipedia)
- Continues Test cricket (Sydney Sixers)
- Plays domestic cricket for Sydney Sixers (Sydney Sixers)
- Possible leadership role in future (speculation) (Sydney Sixers)
Seven key career facts, one snapshot: Smith’s profile at a glance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Peter Devereux Smith (Howstat) |
| Born | 2 June 1989, Sydney, Australia (Sydney Sixers) |
| Role | Batsman, occasional leg-spinner (NDTV Sports) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed (Sydney Sixers) |
| Test Debut | 2010 vs Pakistan (NDTV Sports) |
| Test Centuries | 34 (Wikipedia) |
| IPL Team (2024) | Delhi Capitals (Wikipedia) |
What medical condition does Steve Smith have?
In 2024, Smith reportedly experienced vertigo-like symptoms that forced him out of an Adelaide Ashes Test. The condition, which affects balance, has not been officially diagnosed in public statements, but the episode caused a last-minute reshuffle to Australia’s playing XI.
Vertigo is a diagnosis that can sideline a player for months. For Smith, the timing—right before a key Ashes Test—raised immediate questions about his long-term durability in the longest format.
What caused the vertigo?
- No official cause disclosed; speculation ranges from inner ear infection to stress.
Vertigo is often triggered by inner ear issues, but without a confirmed diagnosis, the exact trigger remains unclear.
How did it affect his Test fitness?
- Smith missed a Test match, raising questions about his fitness for the remainder of the series.
He has since expressed confidence in his recovery, but Australia’s medical staff continue to monitor the situation.
The implication: Smith’s vertigo episode, though not fully explained, has not derailed his immediate Test plans, but it adds another chapter to a career marked by unexpected turns.
Have Steve Smith retired from T20?
- Smith announced retirement from T20 internationals in 2024 (Wikipedia).
- He retired from ODI cricket on 5 March 2025 (Wikipedia).
- He continues to play Test cricket and domestic cricket (Sydney Sixers).
Smith’s decision to leave ODIs and T20Is allows him to focus on Test cricket, but it also closes the door on important white-ball records he might have chased.
Has he retired from ODI?
- Yes, effective 5 March 2025 (Wikipedia).
His ODI retirement came after his last appearance as captain. The move wasn’t a surprise, given his focus had already shifted to the longer format.
What is his future in Test cricket?
- Smith remains available for Australia in Test matches.
While he hasn’t set a date for Test retirement, his body language and recent statements suggest he’s not ready to leave the format that made him a legend.
The trade-off: By concentrating on Tests, Smith preserves his batting legacy, but he forgoes the shorter formats where younger players are pushing for spots.
Why is Steve Smith so famous?
- Smith is widely regarded as one of the best Test batsmen in the modern era (NDTV Sports).
- He has scored 34 Test centuries (Wikipedia).
- His Test batting average of 59.8 is among the highest in history (Wikipedia).
What are his batting records?
- Record of 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes series (Scribd).
Smith’s performance in the 2019 Ashes cemented his reputation as a world-class batsman, scoring runs against a top-quality English attack.
How many centuries has he scored?
- 34 Test centuries (Wikipedia).
This places Smith among the top century-makers in Test history for active players.
What is his batting average?
- 59.8 in Tests (Wikipedia).
That average is the best among current players with more than 50 Test innings.
Why this matters: Smith’s numbers place him in the pantheon of all-time greats, comparable to the likes of Bradman and Tendulkar in terms of Test consistency.
What happened to Steve Smith?
- In March 2018, Smith was involved in the ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town (CNN).
- He admitted the leadership group discussed altering the ball’s condition (Wikipedia).
- Smith was banned for 12 months starting 29 March 2018 (Wikipedia).
- He lost the captaincy and was barred from leadership roles for an additional 12 months (Wikipedia).
What was the ball-tampering scandal?
- Smith, as captain, was aware of and failed to prevent a plan to tamper with the ball using sandpaper.
The incident occurred in Cape Town and sparked a massive controversy in Australian cricket, leading to a leadership crisis.
What was the punishment for Steve Smith?
- 12-month ban, loss of captaincy, leadership ban for an extra year, and public disgrace.
Smith called it a “failure of leadership” and accepted full responsibility.
The pattern: The scandal derailed Smith’s career temporarily, but his comeback in 2019 proved his batting class was unaffected.
How much does Steve Smith get paid to play for Australia?
- Smith’s annual salary from Cricket Australia is reported to be around $1.37 million, according to his player contract summary (Wikipedia).
- His IPL earnings vary by season; in 2024 he plays for Delhi Capitals.
What is his IPL salary?
- Exact IPL contract fee for 2024 not publicly confirmed.
Smith has been a fixture in the IPL since 2012, representing teams like Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals.
What is his net worth?
- Estimated at $8–10 million, including endorsements.
Exact figures are private, but his central contract and IPL deals make him one of the higher-earning Australian cricketers.
Bottom line: Smith’s income places him among the top-earning Australian cricketers, but exact numbers remain private.
Timeline of key events
A timeline of the major milestones in Smith’s career.
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2 June 1989 | Born in Sydney, Australia | Howstat |
| 2010 | Test debut against Pakistan | NDTV Sports |
| 2015 | Ashes series; established as top batsman | NDTV Sports |
| March 2018 | Ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town; banned for 12 months | CNN |
| 2019 | Return to international cricket; 774 runs in Ashes | Scribd |
| 2024 | Reportedly diagnosed with vertigo; missed Test match | |
| 2024 | Announced retirement from ODI and T20I | Wikipedia |
The pattern: Smith’s career has been shaped by a scandal, a remarkable comeback, and now a health-related pivot.
Confirmed facts
- He retired from T20I and ODI (Wikipedia).
- He was banned for ball-tampering in 2018 (CNN).
- He scored 34 Test centuries (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Whether he will retire from Test cricket soon.
- Full details of his vertigo recovery timeline.
- Future IPL participation beyond 2024.
- Specific cause of the vertigo episode.
- Steve Smith has vertigo (Instagram) but exact diagnosis unconfirmed (Instagram).
Quotes
“It was a failure of leadership and I take full responsibility.”
— Steve Smith, press conference after ball-tampering scandal (YouTube)
“Smith has been suspended for 12 months and will not be considered for leadership roles for an additional 12 months.”
— Cricket Australia, via CNN
Summary
Steve Smith remains one of the most fascinating figures in modern cricket. His vertigo scare, combined with his retirement from limited-overs formats and his historic batting records, creates a complex narrative. For Australian cricket, the choice is clear: continue to back Smith in Tests while he navigates his vertigo recovery, or accelerate the transition to the next generation. The decision will shape the team’s batting order for the next two years.
Frequently asked questions
How did Steve Smith start his career?
Smith began as a leg-spinner who could bat, but he quickly transformed into a top-order batsman after his Test debut. (NDTV Sports)
How many Test centuries has Steve Smith scored?
He has scored 34 Test centuries as of 2024. (Wikipedia)
What was the exact ban period for Steve Smith?
Smith was banned for 12 months starting 29 March 2018, plus an additional 12-month ban from leadership roles. (Wikipedia)
Did Steve Smith retire from ODI cricket?
Yes, he retired from ODI cricket on 5 March 2025. (Wikipedia)
Does Steve Smith still play Test cricket?
Yes, he remains active in Test cricket and also plays domestic cricket for Sydney Sixers. (Sydney Sixers)
What is Steve Smith’s role in the team?
He is a right-handed top-order batsman and occasional leg-spin bowler. (NDTV Sports)
Where was Steve Smith born?
He was born in Sydney, Australia on 2 June 1989. (Howstat)
Related reading
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australian News Desk, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.