Playing a Test match at the Old Trafford four years after scoring a double century here in 2019, Australia vice-captain Steve Smith (41) could’ve been dismissed for a duck had England fast bowler Mark Wood not erred at fine leg.
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Coming in to bat at his usual No. 4 position following the dismissal of veteran opener David Warner (32), Smith’s ultra positive approach to take on the English bowling attack had it in it to bring his downfall from the word go.
That said, the 34-year old player should consider himself lucky not only for surviving a golden duck but also managing to continue with his aggressive intent in the first session of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test match on Wednesday.
Steve Smith Could’ve Been Out For A Duck Had Mark Wood Done This
It all happened on the second delivery of the 15th over when Smith hooked a Chris Woakes delivery towards Wood. Not that he ran towards the ball after misjudging it but Wood’s original fielding placement being quite a few feet away from the boundary ropes saved Smith.
Even though the tall cricketer tried his best to back step and claim a diving catch, his effort wasn’t enough to dismiss the batter eventually. Taking into consideration how close England were to dismiss two top Australian batters on consecutive deliveries, a few of their players had rightly placed their hands on their heads in frustration.
Woakes, who is redefining male friendship with Wood, could have picked a second wicket in what was his first spell of the match. That said, Wood took the onus upon himself to send Smith back to the pavilion in the second session after finding him wanting in front of the stumps.
Steve Smith Had Scored Third Test Double Century At Old Trafford
In what was his second Manchester Test, Smith had scored a 26th Test century and a third double century in a match-winning effort. Batting at the same number then as well, Smith’s innings had played a titular role in a 185-run victory ensuring his team’s unbeaten Test record at this stadium since 1981.
Smith, who had scored 211 (319) with the help of 24 fours and two sixes, had won a Player of the Match record for the 11th time in his Test career. Readers must note that he has won only two more match awards in this format since then.
Steve Smith Record In Manchester Tests
Smith, who has a terrific batting record at this ground, has returned with individual scores of 89, 19, 211, 82 and 41 across his five Test innings at the Old Trafford. Although he missed an opportunity of adding to this magnificent record today, it is noteworthy that Smith’s 442 runs have come at an average of 88.40 at this venue.
