Steve Smith spitting chips as Phil Jaques breaks his funk
Steve Smith looked frustrated during Australia’s training in Durban before the South Africa tour, but a familiar face changed the mood. Former teammate Phil…
Steve Smith spitting chips during Australia’s training in Durban offered a glimpse of the frustration behind the scenes before the team’s South Africa tour. A familiar face appeared to lift his mood: former Australian Test opener Phil Jaques, who was among the people watching at Kingsmead Stadium.
The net session was scratchy. Smith cursed when balls found the edge of his bat, walked past the crowd with a stony expression, adjusted his bats and returned to training, according to Fox Sports.
Then he spotted Jaques. The former teammates stopped for a chat as Smith headed back towards the Australian locker room.
From Sutherland to the Australian team
Jaques is in South Africa providing analysis for the ABC. He has also been observing training sessions and attending press conferences during the tour, Fox Sports reported.
The two men share a connection through Sutherland District Cricket Club, where both played before representing Australia in Test cricket. Jaques recalled opening alongside Smith in the younger player’s district debut, when Smith fell narrowly short of a century.
Jaques said Smith stood out for how quickly he absorbed advice and applied it on the field. “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,” he said on the ABC in 2024.
Smith had raised questions about his future before the South Africa series, according to Fox Sports. The report said he was willing to speak with Jaques, his former teammate, during their encounter in Durban.
Jaques turns experience into coaching
Jaques has moved into private coaching and remains involved at Sutherland, where he is head coach. He also runs the Phil Jaques Pro Cricket Academy, combining coaching work with his involvement in club cricket.
His approach draws on a career that included three Test hundreds in 11 matches, at an average of 47.47. Jaques said coaching gives him a chance to pass on what he learned through the highs and difficulties of playing for 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,” Jaques said.
He described private coaching as part of a broader development system, often working alongside a player’s club. Jaques said that arrangement can help promising players progress, while he also sees a mentoring role in supporting younger cricketers.
When asked whether he was looking for the next Smith through their shared Sutherland links, Jaques replied: “Maybe. That would be nice.” He added that players of Smith’s stature do not emerge often.
Jaques’s focus now is helping younger players develop through the academy and club system. His playing record includes three Test hundreds in 11 matches.
Source: foxsports.com.au
