Published 14:27 IST, September 8th 2019
Steve Smith's 'textbook' shot leaves netizens in peals of laughter
Steve Smith has had a dream run in the ongoing Ashes series. He scored a 92-ball 82 in the second innings which helped Australia set England a 383-run target.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
Steve Smith has proved why he is arguably the best Test batsman in modern-day cricket after his stellar double-century against arch-rivals England in the fourth Test match of the ongoing Ashes series at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday. Coming into bat after Australia were reduced to 28/2, Steve Smith ensured that his side did not lose the plot as he steadied the Australian ship. The ex-Aussie skipper scored a brilliant 319-ball 211. This was Smith's third double century in Tests and also his third one against England. His splendid knock helped Australia post a strong total of 497/8. However, in the second innings, Smith was involved in something which was not only pleasing to the eyes but also proved his commitment towards the game.
Steve Smith's 'Textbook' shot
Steve Smith continued from where he had left off in the first innings when he came into bat with Australia at 16/2 and then 24/3 in the second innings after England bowlers had made early inroads. Nonetheless, Steve Smith had other ideas as he held on to one end and played a counter-attacking knock. He scored a 92-ball 82 as he continues to have a dream run in this Ashes series. However, during his solid knock in the second innings, Steve Smith was involved in an interesting setup. He was seen lying on the ground after pulling off a 'Textbook' shot. It seems that he had either lost his balance while attempting a hook shot or an uppercut off a short delivery or a bouncer or he might have lost his balance after having successfully completed the shot. The image of Steve Smith's textbook shot was posted by ICC on their official Twitter handle. Take a look at Smith's pose and some of the reactions to it.
Australia put England on the backfoot
Steve Smith was caught by Ben Stokes off Jack Leach but his superb knock helped Australia get to 186/6 after which they declared their innings. England were set a target of 383 runs to register a famous win at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Unfortunately, the hosts were put on the back foot early on when Pat Cummins removed opener Rory Burns and skipper Joe Root off consecutive deliveries as the English side were reduced to 0/2 in the very first over. Jason Roy then avoided a hat-trick chance as he and Joe Denly helped England finish on 18/2 at stumps.
Updated 16:30 IST, September 8th 2019
