Steve Smith plays sublime flick: The Australia batsman didn’t take much time before finding his groove in the first ODI.
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During the first ODI of the ongoing New Zealand’s tour of Australia in Sydney, Australia batsman Steve Smith put on display his quintessential approach towards batting which saw him playing a sublime flick off New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.
It all happened on the first delivery of the 27th over when Smith shuffled towards his off-stumps to whip a Ferguson delivery over the fine-leg region for a massive six.
Smith, who showed signs of finding his groove early on, failed to read a delivery from New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner as he was bowled after scoring 14 (17).
After Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to bat, Finch (60) and his opening partner David Warner (67) registered a 124-run opening stand which was put to a halt by Ferguson in the 24th over.
That being said, Australia are sort of losing their way after a solid start. Having lost four wickets for 41 runs, the hosts desperately need a stellar partnership to put a competitive total on board.
With all-rounders in Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh in the middle, Australia will look to bat more smartly than they have done in the last 10 overs.
It is worth mentioning that this match is being played in an empty stadium at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The decision was taken in the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus.
Steve Smith plays sublime flick
Glorious. Stunning. Steve Smith! @bet365_aus | #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/4Ob3UtIXI5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
How Twitterati reacted:
😍😍😍#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/nAkNfwWxFE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
Makes it look so easy and how!
Steve Smith 🤩pic.twitter.com/EFME3tpPMW
— ICC (@ICC) March 13, 2020
Clean bowled!
Santner gets Smith. Live #AUSvNZ scores: https://t.co/2a6XMXTJcF pic.twitter.com/YQpsFGGwQU
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 13, 2020
Life’s tough without the fans 😅
(via @cricketcomau) pic.twitter.com/wmRjg1mklY
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 13, 2020
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