Published 09:35 IST, September 15th 2019
Steve Smith takes an blinder at second slip against England
Steve Smith took an absolute blinder at second slip to dismiss Chris Woakes off Mitchell Marsh in the fifth Test match at the Oval. Aussies lead the series 2-1
Steve Smith has proved why he is the best Test batsman and arguably the greatest of this generation after some outstanding performances against arch-rivals England in the ongoing Ashes series. Smith has had a dream run in this series so far, the former Australian skipper has now amassed 751 runs in just six innings, which is more than double the tally of the next highest runscorer on either side. The ex-skipper was ruled out of the third Test due to a concussion but made a terrific comeback in the fourth Test at the Old Trafford as he scored 211 and 82. Recently, the charismatic Australian batsman had dethroned Virat Kohli to become the number one batsman in ICC Test rankings. After his outstanding performance with the bat, Steve Smith showcased a splendid effort on the field.
Steve 'Superman' Smith
It seems that Steve Smith can do nothing wrong as of now. While the 30-year-old has enthralled everyone with his batting, he also managed to grab the spotlight on the field as well. It happened during the 87th over of England's second innings which was bowled by Mitchell Marsh. On the final delivery, Marsh had bowled a fuller one outside off stump and Chris Woakes had attempted a drive but was unsuccessful as the ball took the outside edge and flew wide of Steve Smith who was stationed at second slip. Smith dived to his right and pulled off a blinder as Woakes walked back to the pavilion as England had amassed a lead of a huge 374 runs at that time.
The video of Steve Smith's absolute blinder was posted on Twitter.
Watch the video here:
England gain command
England, who went in to bat against Australia in the fifth and final Test were bundled out for 294. However, Jofra Archer's 6/62 dismissed the visitors for 225 thereby, giving the hosts a 69-run lead. Meanwhile, England in their second innings put up a good show riding on fine half-centuries from Joe Denly and (94) and Ben Stokes (67) as a result of which they were in a commanding position at the end of Day 3 at 313/8 with a huge lead of 382 runs.
Updated 11:23 IST, September 15th 2019