What makes Smith so successful?
A lot in fact. More than the class he shows in the stroke making, there are a few tiny adjustments that give him an advantage over different bowlers.
Against Stokes and Broad
Against both the bowlers, he goes to the outside-off as if he knows where they are going to bowl him. He takes the ball as late as possible.
Against Leach
He doesn’t move much at all. He stays in the crease and tries to take him on to nullify the spin.
Finally, against Archer
Possibly Archer’s high release and the pace has kept Smith guessing, thus he doesn’t move much across to keep his options open, to free his arm easily and to be ready to face anything.
The delivery that went for four.
He played as if he ready for the bouncer.
The delivery that he got hit.
The speed of Archer blanked Smith. Look where he is. While moving behind, he stands close to the stumps. Whereas, it is comparatively easy for him while taking on the other bowlers.
Against Woakes
Before getting hit: Before he got hit, he was moving across just like he did for Stokes and Broad.
After getting hit: Maybe, he wasn’t fit enough to swing the bat easily, thus, he didn’t move much.
Screenshot courtesy: ECB Cricket
Won’t comment; Don’t have total knowledge: Virat Kohli on CAA