'Outrageous': Cricket world divided over Steve Smith theatrics
Steve Smith is known for his quirky batting style, but the mercurial batsman has taken his leave game to a whole new level during his short innings against Victoria.
Smith was out for just seven runs after he was called to the crease to weather the storm against a spirited Victorian bowling outfit.
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But in his short innings, the New South Welshman was his theatrical self as he left numerous balls outside off during a pace bombardment.
However, Smith outdid himself when he put some extra energy into his leaves .
One leave even sent Australia's leading batsman a full 360 degrees.
Some fans loved the theatrics, which we now associate with the Allan Border Medallist.
While others thought Smith was going over the top out in the middle.
....look at those leaves from Steve Smith 😱🤺🕺#SheffieldShield
pic.twitter.com/oleaplzF5x— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) February 17, 2021
It’s getting embarrassing now
— Rob Foltyn (@WEAPS1) February 17, 2021
Seriously what is Steve Smith doing ? https://t.co/eHR5flwVMa
— David Hirst (@Hirsty18) February 17, 2021
In the words of @ShaneWarne “just f$&@in bat properly” @stevesmith49
— Track Tout (@Track_Tout) February 17, 2021
Is Steve Smith serious with some of those leaves?
— Adam Cornell (@MrCricketAust) February 17, 2021
Steve Smith deadset thinks he’s a #jediknight
*plays lightsaber noises in head as watches video* https://t.co/Vxg3txIasD— Steve Harling (@Steve_Harling) February 17, 2021
Steve Smith (not the @bheadparkrun one) makes a complete prat of himself in the Sheffield Shield 😨 https://t.co/TuukuueNDt
— Brian Shenton (@BrianShenton54) February 17, 2021
I love Steve Smith but wtf is that leaving
Its getting more outrageous— Dazz (@Dazzz2016) February 17, 2021
Love Steve Smith but a little disappointed he didn’t do a spin after walking. https://t.co/Nl3c6vsgxo
— Regan Phelps (@Reegs79) February 17, 2021
Youngster snares Steve Smith wicket
Smith struggled to get going in his innings partly due to the brilliant bowling of 20-year-old Mitchell Perry.
The youngster claimed the prized scalp of Steve Smith to help Victoria reduce NSW to 4-51 at lunch on day one of the star-studded Sheffield Shield clash in Sydney.
Perry bowled a number of outswingers to Smith, which sparked the theatrical leaves.
But Perry then caught Smith's outside edge as he bowled back towards off-stump.
Fans were quick to praise the youngster for his tactical bowling to Smith.
20yo Vic quick Mitch Perry has both Steve Smith and Peter Nevill from edges, and he looks pretty good #SheffieldShield
— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) February 17, 2021
Get Mitchell Perry in the Aussie team! Anyone that gets Steve Smith out is good enough for international cricket 😛 #SheffieldShield
— Anirudh (@Regista_004) February 17, 2021
Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pattinson are all part of the star-studded match.
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