In the Sydney Smash at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday, January 12, Steve Smith, Australia’s newly-appointed Test opener, encountered a setback as he suffered a dismissal for a golden duck.
In a crucial encounter for the Sydney Sixers ahead of the playoffs, Smith opened the innings alongside James Vince. However, he fell prey to the new ball, holing out to deep square leg off the very first delivery bowled by Sydney Thunder’s Daniel Sams. Smith attempted a heave towards the leg-side but couldn’t connect, resulting in an early exit.
Watch the dismissal
Having played the Sixers’ first match of the season against Melbourne Renegades, Smith rejoined the Australia squad for the home Test series against Pakistan. In that earlier match, he was named Player of the Match for his 61-run knock off 42 deliveries.
Smith, who excelled as an opening batter for the Sixers in the previous BBL season, continued to make his case for Australia’s T20I opening spot. However, the Sydney Smash brought an unexpected early dismissal for him.
Despite Smith’s early exit, the Sixers have stabilized their innings in the crucial contest. James Vince and Josh Phillipe are at the crease, and the score stands at 33-1 after five overs.
The Sixers, currently in the third spot on the points table with 10 points from eight matches, aim for a win against their local rivals to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Looking ahead, Steve Smith is ready to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against the West Indies. Having expressed a desire to open in Tests following David Warner’s retirement, Smith secured the position over Cameron Green. Cricket Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, confirmed Smith as the opener, with Green batting at No. 4. The Adelaide Oval will host the scheduled commencement of the two-match Test series against the West Indies on January 17.
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