Aus vs NZ: Steve Smith mocked by Ian Smith for DRS argument with Nigel Llong

One of biggest highlights from Day 1 of Australia vs New Zealand Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was argument that Australia batsman Steve Smith had with umpire Nigel Llong before lunch. Smith insisted that he was entitled to leg byes after he tried to 'evade' Neil Wagner's short balls. Llong, however, was t interested and declared both balls as dead balls.

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Ian Smith asks Steve Smith to let his bat do talking

Current commentator and former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith talked about incident before start of Day 2 on official broadcaster's pre-match show. Ian Smith sided with Nigel Llong and insisted that latter is an experienced umpire and a former England batsman himself. former Kiwi wicketkeeper added that Llong will kw what evading a ball is, which is what Steve Smith did t do. According to rules, a batsman can only score leg byes if he attempts a shot or takes evasive action against a ball.

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Ian Smith pointed out in a humorous fashion how ball hitting Steve Smith's 'hip' could t be considered 'evading'. He n talked about second ball, which caught Smith on back and interpreted situation as a bad position for Smith to be in. In both situations, however, Ian Smith sided with Nigel Llong and stuck by his opinion. Kiwi great also credited Steve Smith's talent and said that Smith's prowess with bat is far too great for him to rant about dead balls. 

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In first Australian innings of Boxing Day Test, Travis Head's century helped Aussies go past 400 with ease. team ended at 467 after being asked to bat first by Kane Williamson on first day. Travis Head top-scored with 114, followed by former captain Steve Smith scoring a valiant 85. Australia captain Tim Paine also put forward a brave front as he scored 79. Amongst New Zealand bowlers, Neil Wagner proved most effective with four wickets he took. At stumps on Day 2, Kiwis are currently at 44/2 with Ross Taylor and Tom Latham at crease. James Pattinson picked up most important Kiwi wicket of Kane Williamson and vice-captain Pat Cummins got Tom Blundell. NZ trail by 423 runs.

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