Steve Smith's Durban net funk broken by old Sutherland teammate Phil Jaques
Steve Smith was visibly frustrated during a scratchy net session in Durban before a familiar face and former teammate intervened.
Just before Australia's tour of South Africa began in Durban earlier this month, Steve Smith was visibly frustrated at Kingsmead Stadium. The superstar No. 4 cursed for every ball that found the edge of his bat during scratchy net sessions.
At one stage, he stormed stony-faced past a watching crowd that included Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg. He fiddled with his bats before heading back in for more practice.
However, as he walked toward the Australian locker room, he spotted a familiar face among the spectators. Former Australian Test opener Phil Jaques, currently in South Africa providing expert commentary, was watching from the sidelines.
The pair share a deep connection through the Sutherland District Cricket Club, having both progressed from the same institution to represent Australia at the highest level. Years ago, Jaques even opened the batting alongside the teenage Smith in his District debut.
Catching a glimpse of his old teammate seemed to immediately shake Smith from his pre-series funk. The pair engaged in a friendly chat, offering a brief moment of levity during a high-stakes tour.
Later reflecting on his post-playing career, Jaques discussed his passion for private coaching through his academy and helping develop the next generation of talent. While acknowledging that legends only come along occasionally, he remains committed to giving back to the game.