Australia superstar batsman Steve Smith had a massive brainfade moment in Australia’s first innings of the second Test against New Zealand as he was dismissed lbw by debutant Ben Sears while not offering any shot.
The second Test between the two neighbors started on Friday at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on a spicy pitch on which the hosts were first bundled out for only 162. Australia, too, got off to a rocky start and lost both openers, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, with 32 runs on the board.
Smith’s wicket, though, was something which the great batsman perhaps could have avoided, and definitely would have avoided in his best days. Smith as an opener hasn’t really clicked much yet apart from one innings. He now averages an ordinary 32 in 7 innings as a Test opener, way below his average of 61 at number 4.
At Christchurch, Steve Smith became the maiden Test wicket of pacer Ben Sears as he was rapped on his pad after shouldering arms to an incoming delivery. It was a huge blunder from Smith as he is someone who is one of the best in the world at judging the lines and lengths of the ball, and someone who carries the reputation of knowing exactly where his off-stump is.
Umpire Nitin Menon raised the finger and Steve Smith reviewed it. Since Smith hadn’t offered any shot, the impact outside off didn’t matter, and the Hawkeye showed the ball to be clipping the off-stump, which was enough for Menon’s decision of OUT to stand and the Aussie star had to walk back with only 11 runs in his account in this innings.
Watch: Steve Smith has a big brainfade moment in 2nd NZ vs AUS Test
The BLACKCAPS have the wicket of Steve Smith and Ben Sears has his maiden test wicket! 🔥 @BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/B8BSveZvRF
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Earlier Josh Hazlewood took a five-wicket haul and Mitchell Starc took three wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 162.
Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee(c), Ben Sears
Australia (Playing XI): Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
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