When it comes to the modern-day maestros of cricket, leaving out Steven Smith is like forgetting the punchline of a great joke. This stubborn Sydney boy isn’t just a fortress for bowlers to breach, but also a powerhouse of pure cricketing entertainment. Originally known for spinning webs around batsmen with leg spin that would make Shane Warne proud, Smith flipped the script. Now, he’s the batsman who cranks out hundreds as if they’re on a production line, all while displaying his quirky superstitions. His transformation from a leg-spin prodigy to a batting powerhouse is as captivating and unpredictable as his on-field rituals.
Australian cricketers have always commanded immense attention and respect, not only for their on-field prowess but also for their brand value. For Smith, the bar was already sky-high, thanks to the flamboyance and high standards of living set by cricket legends like Shane Warne, Brett Lee, and Shane Watson. Since the dominance of Australian cricket in the 1990s and early 2000s, the sport has remained a beloved tradition in Australian households.
In Australia, while cricket might play second fiddle to the more popular Aussie Rules Football and rugby, the pride and passion for the sport among Aussies is undeniable. Though Australian fans may not celebrate victories with the same fervor as their Asian counterparts, the moment the team falters, cricket instantly becomes the nation’s hot topic, with media and fans turning into fierce critics. Such has been their dominance in the sport over the years, spoiling fans with a healthy diet of trophies.
Amidst this whirlwind of fanfare and high expectations, Steven Smith stands out as a pivotal figure. Leading the batting unit, he’s been the rock of the Australian cricket team for over a decade, enduring the highs and lows with remarkable resilience.
Figure 1 Image from the 2018 press conference following the Sandpaper Gate incident
STEVEN SMITH FACTFILE:Full Name Steven Peter Devereux Smith Nickname Smithy, Smudge Birthplace Kogarah, Sydney, Australia Residence Sydney, Australia Date of Birth June 2, 1989 Height 5’ 9” (175 cm) Weight 80 kg Teams Represented Australia, New South Wales, Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Sydney Sixers Net Worth $30 million (₹250 crore) Honours ICC Cricketer of the Year (2015, 2017), Allan Border Medal (2015, 2018, 2021) Spouse Dani Willis (m. 2018)
CAREER IN NUMBERS:
Steven Smith’s journey in cricket is one of the most unique and compelling tales in the sport. He debuted for Australia as a leg-spinner who could bat a bit, but his transformation into a top-order batsman has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, he holds numerous records in red-ball cricket, epitomizing strength and resilience with each comeback.
Smith’s career has been a testament to his fortitude, especially when considering the challenges he’s faced. From the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018, with that tearful press conference seared into public memory, to his fierce encounter with Joffra Archer at Lord’s, where he was struck on the head, Smith has always emerged stronger after a setback. This resilience has made him a media darling and a popular figure globally.
Little did the world know that this bowler with a quirky batting stance would morph into one of cricket’s most formidable top-order batsmen. Smith’s career in numbers reads like a legend in the making, punctuated with a series of impressive milestones and records. Format Matches Innings Runs Average 50s 100s Highest Test 109 195 9,685 56.97 41 32 239 ODI 158 142 5,446 43.92 33 12 164 T20I 67 55 1094 24.86 5 0 90 IPL 103 93 2,485 34.51 11 1 101
Kicking things off with Test cricket, Steven Smith has played 109 matches, racking up over 9,000 runs with an extraordinary average of around 56. His 32 centuries and 37 fifties place him firmly among cricket’s elite, the so-called Fab Four, alongside Williamson, Root, and Kohli. But, let’s be honest, Smith arguably sits at the top with that stellar average. For die-hard cricket fans, his hundred on a Pune rank-turner against Ashwin and Jadeja, his jaw-dropping 774-run Ashes series away from home in 2019, and the 769-run spree against India in 2014-15 are legendary tales. These are the stories we’ll proudly pass down to our kids and their kids, ensuring Smith’s heroics live on through generations.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Steven Smith’s versatility truly shines. He has played 142 matches, scoring 5,446 runs at a healthy average of 43.92. His ODI career includes 12 centuries and 33 fifties, showcasing his capability to anchor the innings. Smith’s ODI exploits are characterized by his elegant stroke play and tactical acumen. His ability to read the game and adapt to different situations has made him a crucial player in the Australian lineup. Smith currently bats at 4 for Australia in ODI’s.
In the shortest format of the game, Steven Smith has struggled to justify his immense talent. After playing 67 T20 internationals for Australia, he averages just 24.86 with a strike rate of 125.46. His role in the T20 side has been sporadic at best. Similarly, his performances in the IPL and BBL have been inconsistent, leading to a hot-and-cold reputation. Recently, fans have seen more of Smith in the commentary box than on the field, reflecting his fluctuating T20 form.
HONOURS & ACCOLADES:
Steven Smith’s cricketing excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors.
1. ICC Cricketer of the Year: 2015, 2017
2. Allan Border Medal: 2015, 2018, 2021
3. ICC Test Player of the Year: 2015
4. Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2015
5. Australian Test Player of the Year: 2015, 2018, 2021
SMITH’S RECORDS
1. Fastest Australian to 10,000 Test Runs: Achieved this milestone quicker than any other Australian.
2. Sixth Fastest to 10,000 Test Runs: Globally, he ranks sixth in reaching this landmark.
3. Consecutive 1,000 Test Runs: One of only two players to score 1,000 Test runs in four consecutive calendar years.
4. Second Highest Test Batting Rating: With a rating of 947, only behind Don Bradman’s 961.
5. Fastest to 7,000 Test Runs: Smith achieved this milestone in just 126 innings, making him the fastest in terms of innings.
6. Most Runs in an Ashes Series in the 21st Century: Scored 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes series.
Steven Smith’s widespread popularity in Australia and Asia, especially India—a lucrative market for foreign cricketers—significantly boosts his brand value and image. This widespread appeal sets the stage for a thorough examination of his net worth, exploring how his cricketing prowess and marketability translate into financial success.
ON-FIELD EARNINGS
Smith’s on-field earnings primarily come from his contracts with Cricket Australia and various T20 franchises around the world. As one of the top-bracket earners in Cricket Australia’s central contract system, Smith receives a significant annual salary. Additionally, his participation in the IPL and other T20 leagues contributes to his substantial earnings.
Steven Smith is reportedly one of Australian cricket’s highest-paid players, with an estimated salary of around $2 million from representing Australia alone. He is among the players contracted by Cricket Australia.
Steven Smith began his IPL career with RCB in 2010 and played regularly until 2023, missing only the 2018 season. Over this period, he has earned approximately ₹50,00,00,000 from the IPL, which is estimated to be around AUD 9.6 million. He also returned in the latest season, but this time as a commentator.
SMITH’S BRAND APPEAL AND ENDORSEMENTS
Smith’s endorsement portfolio includes a range of high-profile brands. His association with these brands not only boosts his earnings but also enhances his visibility in the global market.
Steven Smith’s growing public persona has made him a sought-after figure for brand endorsements. His earnings from endorsements form a substantial part of his total income, reflecting his market appeal.
Koala: Smith’s association with the Australian mattress and furniture brand Koala has been highly successful, contributing significantly to his endorsement earnings. At one point in his career, Steven Smith’s earnings from Koala were greater than his income from cricket.
“I remember telling his manager and his parents that could happen when he invested,” Koala co-founder Mitch Taylor told the Review back in 2019.
Gillette: As a brand ambassador for Gillette, Smith has appeared in several advertising campaigns, promoting the brand’s shaving products.
Sanitarium: Smith’s partnership with Sanitarium, an Australian health and well-being company, aligns with his image as a fit and healthy athlete.
Weet-Bix: Smith has been a long-time ambassador for Weet-Bix, a popular breakfast cereal brand in Australia.
New Balance: Smith’s endorsement deal with New Balance sees him promoting their cricket gear and sportswear.
Steven Smith’s endorsement deals are estimated to generate around $2-3 million annually, making him one of the most marketable athletes in Australia. This is particularly notable given Australia’s rich sports culture and the high profile of athletes across various sports in the country.
PERSONAL VENTURES AND INVESTMENTS
Steven Smith’s astute financial decisions and investments have significantly contributed to his net worth. Smith has ventured into various business opportunities, leveraging his cricketing success to build a diverse investment portfolio that ensures long-term financial stability and growth, contributing to his overall net worth.
Steven Smith’s success on the cricket field has enabled him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. Smith owns several high-end properties and a collection of luxury cars that reflect his status as a top-tier athlete.
Multiple properties in Balmain, Sydney: Smith has invested significantly in the Balmain area, owning several properties including apartments and houses.
Vaucluse mansion: The cricketer and his wife, Dani Willis, owned a luxurious mansion in Vaucluse, Sydney, which they renovated extensively before selling in 2023 for a substantial profit.
Bronte home: Another property owned by the couple was located in the beachside suburb of Bronte, Sydney. This property was also renovated and sold in 2024 for around $7 million
Cars: Smith’s car collection includes a range of high-end vehicles, including a Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, BMW M2, MERCEDEZ-BENZ C200 and BMW 530d M Sport. His love for luxury cars is evident in his meticulously curated collection.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Steven Smith engages with millions of followers across social media platforms:
Instagram: With nearly 3.6 million followers, Smith’s Instagram account showcases his life on and off the field, including training sessions, brand endorsements, and personal moments.
Facebook: His Facebook page has almost 5.4 million followers, where he shares updates, interacts with fans, and promotes his endorsements.
X (formerly Twitter): On X, Smith has around 1.9 million followers, using the platform to discuss cricket, connect with fans, and highlight his endorsements.
WHAT IS STEVEN SMITH’S NET WORTH?
In 2024, Steven Smith’s net worth stands at $30 million, reflecting a consistent upward trajectory in his earnings over the past five years. His impressive earnings come from a combination of his cricketing career, brand endorsements, and personal ventures. Smith’s financial success reflects his hard work, dedication, and smart financial decisions.
Steven Smith’s net worth has experienced significant growth over the past five years. Starting at $15 million in 2019, his wealth increased to $18 million in 2020, $21 million in 2021, and $24 million in 2022. By 2023, his net worth had risen to $27 million, and in 2024, it reached $30 million. This consistent upward trend highlights a robust growth trajectory in his financial status.
Smith’s journey from a young cricketer to one of the wealthiest athletes in Australia is a testament to his resilience and talent. His ability to excel in cricket and business ensures his continued success and growth in the years to come.
Steven Smith, who let his bat do the talking, has become a modern-day master and an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Born to Peter Smith, a chemist, and Gillian Smith, a homemaker, Smith’s journey from a regular boy in Sydney to an international cricket star exemplifies his dedication and hard work. Early on, he moved to England to pursue his cricket career, and his success serves as a beacon of inspiration.
