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Australia’s no.4 batter Steve Smith’s preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 got off to a poor start. After getting dismissed for a single-digit score in the first innings, Smith got out lbw for a four-ball duck by Scott Boland in the ongoing Sheffield Shield 2024-25 match between New South Wales and Victoria.
On Day 3 of the match, Smith walked out to bat in the third over Nic Maddinson fell early for a 12-ball 15 to Boland. On the third ball of the fifth over bowled by Boland, Smith shouldered arms on a delivery which was in-swinging. He misjudged the line of the ball and was struck on the pad outside off stump. However, Smith did not offer a shot and was given out lbw by the umpire.
While the ball was angled in, the ball hit him far outside the off stump on the front foot. Smith was unhappy with the decision as he walked off the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Disappointing batting display by New South Wales
Earlier, in the first innings, Smith lost his wicket to 23-year-old pacer Fergus O’Neill who stands six foot, four inches. He managed to score just three runs after facing 29 deliveries. After a top-order collapse, Oliver Davies (37) and Josh Philipe helped New South Wales recover. But wicketkeeper-batter Philipee who remained not out for 45 ran out of partners. New South Wales were bowled out for 136 in reply to Victoria's 272.
Victoria set a target of 383. New South Wales have once again faced a top-order collapse. They lost four wickets for 35 runs in 16th over. O’Neill dismissed skipper Moises Henriques whereas Will Sutherland got rid of Davies.
Smith back to no.4
Smith recently moved back to his no.4 position after all-rounder Cameron Green got ruled out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home and more due to a back injury. He underwent successful surgery and will be out of action for six months. He opened the innings in the absence of retired David Warner. Meanwhile, Australia are yet to confirm Usman Khawaja’s opening partner.
