steve smith
A special knock from a special batsman who desperately needed to regain his form. In picture: Australia skipper Steve SmithReuters

Australia cricket team skipper Steve Smith had to throw away the plethora of criticisms he received following an absolute forgettable cricket tour against the Faf du Plessis-led South Africa. The 27-year-old did that with elan and made sure he wrote his name on the record books of the Sydney Cricket Ground and Australia cricket as well, in the process.

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A special innings from a special batsman. Smith singlehandedly helped his side get a bundle of runs during Australia's first ODI against New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2016 series on Sunday, making the occasion really special and beautiful.

The Aussies, batting first, finished their innings with a total of 324 runs from 8 wickets after the completion of 50 overs. Smith scored a total of 164 runs off 157 balls -- his highest ever score in the ODIs.

Following the dismissal of Travis Head, who got his half century when Smith was on the pitch, the Australia captain took things on his stride and hit some hard shots that reverberated all around the Sydney cricket ground on Sunday. He hit a total of four sixes and 14 boundaries in his innings.

Smith's eclipsed the previous high score of 162, made by South Africa's AB de Villiers in the 2015 World Cup against the West Indies.

"It's a nice feeling," Smith told Wide World of Sports after his special knock. "I had a bit of luck but you've got to take that when you get it and make the most of it. It was nice to get a big score on my home ground. I love batting here, it's a great place to play and a great place to play in front of my family."

Catch the moments from his sensational and special innings HERE...

Some important stats following Smith's knock