Watch: An uncharacteristic wild slog from Steve Smith led to his dismissal during the third innings of the WTC 2023 final between India and Australia.
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Smith, one of the most technically correct batters of the modern era, scored a match-shaping 121 in the first innings and looked set for another big knock after getting a start in the second leg.
Having reached 34 in the 31st over, Smith’s innings ended after a “brain fade” when he tried to dance down the track against Ravindra Jadeja. The batter did not get close to the pitch of the ball but nonetheless tried to slog the wide of off stump delivery over mid-on. He only managed to get a huge edge and ended up giving an easy catch to Shardul Thakur at point.
It was the eighth time that Smith has been dismissed by Jadeja in Tests – the second-most that he has been dismissed by any bowler. He averages 33.8 against the left-hander and was in the news for giving a thumbs up to Jadeja after being beaten on the outside edge during the India-Australia Test in Nagpur in February.
It will take some time for that to sink in. Good to know even the greats have moments like that #SteveSmith
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 9, 2023
That didn’t happen. The great Steve Smith has played a Saturday afternoon slog.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 9, 2023
Watch the dismissal here:
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