NZ vs AUS: Steve Smith urges ICC to make one key rule change, says 'you really can't hit the ball anywhere if...'

Australian cricket star Steve Smith has urged the cricket's governing body from cricket authorities regarding the tactic of bowlers delivering frequent bouncers to a leg-side field setup. He argues that this strategy severely restricts a batter's opportunity to play shots in front of the wicket. The ex-captain of Australia suggests that bowlers should be limited to one or two such balls before receiving a warning or having the ball declared a wide.

ALSO READ: NZ vs AUS: Cameron Green's century saves Australia from embarrassment after Matt Henry bags four wickets on opening day of 1st Test

"I think there could be some slight rule changes in terms of balls going down the leg side when you set that field. You really can't hit the ball anywhere in front of the wicket really, and I feel like it is almost like when a (left-arm) spinner comes over the wicket and they get the warning down the leg side and then they start getting 'wided'," Smith was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

 

"If you're bowling balls consistently in that area down leg, it should be a similar ruling to the spinner if that makes sense. Basically bowl one or two, then get a warning and then get wides called.

 

"To have those catchers (fielders) there in position, it can be challenging for sure. The only thing I'd like to see is if you get too much down leg, you can't really score anywhere else, and all the fielders are there. That would be the only change I wouldn't mind seeing," added Smith.

Smith scored 31 runs in 1st innings

In his remarks following the first day of the Test, where he contributed 31 runs to Australia's Day 1 total of 279-9, Smith emphasised the difficulty batsmen face when the ball is directed too far down the leg side, rendering them unable to execute any shot effectively.

ALSO READ: Pat Cummins uncertain about captaincy future as career nears twilight, says 'I’d doubt that I’ll be…'

Cameron Green salvages Australia's innings

In a dramatic turn of events during the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green's outstanding century was the highlight, ensuring Australia ended the day at 279/9. The match, taking place at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Thursday (February 29), witnessed Matt Henry's impressive 4/43 spell leading New Zealand's pace attack on a lively pitch, challenging the Australian batsmen throughout the day.

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