Steve Smith faced yet another setback as an opening batsman in Test cricket, getting dismissed without scoring a run during the second innings of the first Test match in Wellington against New Zealand.
Steve Smith faced another setback as an opener in Test cricket, enduring a duck after just three balls in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Tim Southee dismissed him, prompting Smith to head back to the pavilion without adding any runs to the scoreboard.
Australia, starting their second innings with a lead of over 200 runs, encountered an early stumbling block as both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were swiftly dismissed, registering scores in the single digits, much to the dismay of Australian supporters.
Smith had taken on the role of the new Test opener following David Warner’s retirement, but his performance in this position has been underwhelming, with only one fifty-plus score to his credit. His recent scores as an opener include 12, 11*, 6, 31, and 0. Despite his average rising to 60 after an unbeaten 91 against the West Indies, the recent failures are likely to bring it down.
Earlier in the day, Cameron Green achieved his career-best Test score, contributing to a 116-run partnership with Josh Hazlewood that propelled Australia from 179/9 to 383. This collaboration now stands among the highest tenth-wicket partnerships in Test cricket. Matt Henry secured a five-wicket haul, while William O’Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn claimed two wickets each.
Meanwhile, on social media, fans expressed disappointment with Steve Smith’s performance. Here are some of the reactions:
