‘A great journey, proud I suppose is a word’ - Steve Smith reflects on his career as he approaches milestone 100th Test for Australia

Whenever the world’s best batters are discussed, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith is always in the picture. Being 34 years old, Smith has established himself as one of the best batters of this generation and continues to dominate even the best of bowling lineups.

Having represented Australia in 99 Test matches so far, Smith has amassed 9113 runs to his name and hit 32 tons as well, with 37 half-centuries. With the Ashes 2023 in full flow, Smith is all set to play his 100th Test match for Australia when they take on England for the third Ashes Test at Headingley, in Leeds, from July 6.

Ahead of his 100th Test, the 34-year-old came forward to reflect on his journey and revealed some of the most memorable moments from his career. Smith revealed that he was feeling proud for being able to represent Australia for such a long time.

"Proud, I suppose is a word. What I have been able to achieve across those hundreds has been a great journey. I have enjoyed every moment of it and to walk out in a couple of days at Headingley for my 100, I am extremely excited," Steve Smith said in a video posted by Cricket Australia. 

"Been lucky to play with some amazing players in the dressing room, and I think our team right now is right up there, we have got a tremendous bunch of players. Batters that go all the way down, some great fast bowlers, and a spinner (Nathan Lyon) that we are likely to miss in the coming weeks," he added.

'The only time I have not liked the game when I had the operation' - Smith on the darkest moment of his career

Furthermore, Steve Smith also reflected on the darkest moment of his playing career, and the veteran batter pointed out the time in 2019 when he had to use an elbow brace. Smith opined that he lost all love for the game during that period.

"The only time I have not liked the game is when I had my elbow brace on when I had the operation and for some reason, I did not enjoy the game, and didn’t wanna play. The moment I had my elbow brace off, I suddenly had the love back," Smith said.