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ToggleStar Australian batter Steve Smith played a brilliant knock in the final innings of the second Test match against the West Indies team in Brisbane. However, Steve Smith’s efforts went in vain as the Australia team fell short by just eight runs in the low-scoring encounter.
Steve Smith played an unbeaten innings of 91 runs off 146 balls, including one six and nine boundaries. The right-handed batter failed to guide the team to victory as the Australian batting order collapsed. He carried his bat during the successful run chase at The Gabba.
Watch – Steve Smith Stuns Alzarri Joseph With Outrageous Scoop Shot
In the crucial moments of the match, Steve Smith showcased an unexpected move by playing an outrageous scoop shot. Smith surprised everyone by shuffling across and scooping a length ball for a six off Alzarri Joseph’s bowling when the team needed 20 runs to win.
The ramp for six from Steve Smith, unbelievable 😮 #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/yzQvYyJUzN
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 28, 2024
Smith’s outrageous shot reduced the equation to 14 runs needed for victory. However, Shamar Joseph, the Player of the Match, dismissed Josh Hazlewood in the next over. The Windies secured the West Indies’ historic victory, their first on Australian soil since 1997.
Joshua Da Silva, Kevin Sinclair Rescued West Indies In First Innings
The West Indies posted a total of 311 in their first innings, with the help of fifties from Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, and Kevin Sinclair. Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 4/82, while Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon took two wickets each.
In response, Australia declared their first innings at 289/9, conceding a 22-run lead. Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins scored half-centuries. Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach were instrumental for the visitors, taking four and three wickets, respectively.
The West Indies scored 193 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 216 for Australia. Kirk Mckenzie led with 41, while Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves made valuable contributions to the team. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon each took three wickets.
Steve Smith Will Find A Way To Score Big Hundreds – Alex Carey
Earlier, Australia wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey expressed confidence in Steve Smith’s batting prowess, acknowledging his recent dismissals as an opener. He emphasized Smith’s ability to overcome challenges and score big hundreds.
“He has been dismissed twice as an opener now, and he is going to be dismissed a lot more as an opener. He is one of the best batters in the world, and he will find a way to score big hundreds,” said Carey, as quoted by Perth Now.
“He has done it in really difficult situations before. … a big innings is coming up, and, hopefully, it is in the second innings,” he added.
Smith took over the role of opener in Australia’s red-ball cricket after David Warner’s retirement. He faced criticism due to his modest scores of 12, 11*, and six in the first three innings as an opener. He silenced his critics by delivering under pressure in the final innings.
