WTC Final 2023 | How Has Steve Smith Performed At The Oval?

image-lid0u4ahSmith has scored 391 runs at the Oval [Twitter]

Arguably one of the best Test batters at the moment, Steve Smith is a special player, who has taken his game to a whole new level, ever-since he became a proper batter.

Once compared to the legendary Shane Warne, Smith now gets compared to yet another legend - Sir Donald Bradman for his work ethics and the ability to break records in Test cricket.

The Aussie batter has not only churned out runs in Australia, but across the globe, including England, where run-scoring is generally a difficult prospect.

Australia will play against India in the WTC final at the iconic Oval ground in London, and the Indian team should worry about Steve Smith's run-scoring record at this ground.

Tests Played By Smith at the Kennington Oval

Smith has played at the god level mode at Kennington Oval. In 3 matches, the former Aussie captain has racked up 391 runs, at an astonishing average of 97.75. Smith has 2 centuries at this ground, with the best of 143 coming against the England side in 2015.

If India are to win the WTC final, they need to dismiss Smith cheaply in both the innings.


Pacers vs Spinners - Who got the better of Smith most times at Oval?

In all 4 innings that he has been dismissed at the Oval, the pacers have outdone him, with the spinners not getting a single wicket against him. There have been two instances when either Smith remained not out, or he was not required to bat.

The Oval ground provides a bit of movement to the seamers, and stats suggest that pace is the way to counter him at this venue.

Steve Smith vs India

If there's one batter who has consistently troubled the Indian side, it has to be Steve Smith. He becomes a totally different player and relishes the challenge of facing the Indian bowling attack. In 18 Test matches, the right-handed batter has amassed 1887 runs, at an average of 65.06, which includes 8 centuries under his belt. 

Though England is a completely different place than India or Australia, but Smith will once again fancy his chances against the Indian attack.

Final Prediction

Smith loves playing against India and he certainly loves to play at the Oval. India need to devise a plan to dismiss Smith ahead of the WTC final. Expect the Aussie batter to continue his rich vein of form at the Oval, and expect yet another century from him.