Smith spitting chips after tough Durban net session
Steve Smith was visibly frustrated during a net session at Kingsmead before Australia’s South Africa tour, cursing as balls edged his bat. Former teammate Phil…
Steve Smith was spitting chips after a tough Durban net session before Australia’s tour of South Africa, with the batter cursing as balls found the edge of his bat. Former Australian Test opener Phil Jaques was among the crowd at Kingsmead Stadium, and a glance at his old teammate appeared to lift Smith’s mood.
The session took place earlier this month, just before the tour began. Smith, the Australian No. 4, walked past the watching crowd without speaking, adjusted his bats and went back into the nets.
It was a brief exchange, but one rooted in a long cricketing connection. Jaques and Smith both came through Sutherland District Cricket Club, and Jaques recalled opening alongside a teenage Smith on the youngster’s District debut.
Jaques on Smith’s ability to learn
Jaques said Smith’s capacity to take in advice stood out from the beginning. “The thing that impressed me most was how quickly he could take on information. He could hear it and go out and implement it immediately,” Jaques said on the ABC in 2024.
Smith had raised questions about his future ahead of the South Africa series, according to Fox Sports. The report describes the Durban encounter as a casual conversation between former teammates, but does not detail what they discussed.
Jaques was in South Africa providing analysis for the ABC and had been watching net sessions and attending press conferences. He later spoke with Fox Sports about coaching, player development and the pathways available to young cricketers.
Passing experience to the next generation
The former opener has moved into private coaching and remains involved with Sutherland, where he is head coach. He also runs the Phil Jaques Pro Cricket Academy. Jaques described the work as a chance to share lessons from a career that included difficult stretches as well as rewarding experiences with Australia.
“It’s a different thing altogether to playing. I love coaching. I love giving back to the game and helping develop the next generation of players,” he said.
Jaques said he had tried to mentor younger teammates throughout his playing career. Coaching gives him a way to continue that work, while helping players build on what they learn in club cricket.
He also described private coaching and club cricket as parts of a development system that often operate together. Jaques said promising players may work with a private coach alongside their club commitments.
Asked whether he was looking for the next Smith among players with Sutherland ties, Jaques gave a cautious answer. “Maybe. That would be nice,” he said, adding that legends only come along so often.
Australia’s tour had already included a 214-run win when Jaques and the reporter spoke over a beer and braai at a barbecue in Durban. The net session had been tense; the conversation that followed was between two former teammates who shared the same club beginnings.
Jaques made three Test hundreds in 11 matches, at an average of 47.47.
Source: foxsports.com.au
