“Have some of that, Smudge”: Steve Smith motivates himself after Anrich Nortje delivery hits midriff at Gabba

During the first day of the first Test match of South Africa’s tour of Australia 2022 in Brisbane, Australia vice-captain Steven Smith hit a couple of boundaries in an Anrich Nortje over only to receive a blow in the midriff in an apt revenge.

It all happened in the 18th over of the Australian innings when Smith started a Nortje over by pulling him convincingly through the mid-wicket region. The third delivery of the over saw Smith executing a glorious on-drive on a fuller delivery.

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With circumstances not being conducive for comfortable batting at the Gabba today, Smith was put on the back foot on the following delivery as Nortje made optimum use of the zip off the surface.

Steve Smith motivates himself after Anrich Nortje delivery hits midriff at Gabba

It was on the fourth delivery of the over when Smith completely missed a pull. Another delivery which bounced less than the bowler anticipated, Smith swiveled only to cope a blow on the body.

“Have some of that, Smudge,” Smith was heard talking to himself on the stump mic right after getting hit. Known for his atypical leaves and gesticulations especially whilst batting on a cricket pitch, it isn’t for the first time when Smith has done anything mildly dramatic like talking to himself.

Looking resolute as ever to bail his team out of trouble yet again, Smith is in the middle of a rescuing fourth-wicket partnership alongside batter Travis Head. Although the latter has scored a half-century at a strike rate in excess of 100, Smith is providing an apt support to the left-handed batter from the other end.

With Australia closing in on South Africa’s menial first innings total, they have a solid chance of batting the visitors out of this match on Day 2. In what is easier said that done because of a four-member South African pace attack at this particular venue, Smith, Head and the remaining Australian batters will have to bat exceedingly well to attain a formidable lead in the first innings tomorrow.