Steve Smith fumes over brutal DRS moment as fans call out ugly walk off
The mercurial Aussie batter was left frustrated after a very close call.
Steve Smith has shown his displeasure at the DRS system after going out on a brutally close call on day of the Test against Pakistan having fallen short of a half century. Smith took a knock on Saturday late in the day, but was never a doubt to return to the crease on 43 runs.
However, for the second time in the Test match, Khurram Shahzad dismissed Smith and this time it was through a LBW decision. And the mercurial batter was filthy over the call. Smith was caught from the Perth bounce and immediately sent it up stairs as he gestured it could have been high and going down leg.
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And much to Smith's frustration, DRS showed the ball clipping the top of the bails by the smallest of margins. Smith was clearly frustrated with the decision as he needed to walk because the on-field decision from the umpire was out.
The No.4 walked off and gestured in anger. Smith's lean form of runs has continued with his astonishing average of more than 63 has gradually fallen below 59 over his last 56 innings.
Across that period, Smith has still managed to hit six centuries but has also been dismissed 14 times for single digit scores in Tests. While he scored a solid 45 this time around, Smith was clearly looking at a bigger total to turn his form around.
And many viewers could not believe just how close the decision was from DRS. Others felt Smith's carry on after the wicket wasn't a good look for the Aussie vice-captain.
That is the most rubbish call I’ve ever seen. Definitely missing. 😐💀
— Vince Zaccheo (@ZaccheoVince) December 17, 2023
Hey @stevesmith49 , You're a great cricketer.
We value your fantastic contribution to Australian cricket.
But I don't like my kids to see your antics when you get out.
Accept the decision and move off the field. None of this head shaking, waving please #respect #SteveSmith— GrumpyGuts (@GrumpyBastard_) December 17, 2023
One day I'd like to see Steve Smith dismissed and walk off, nodding in acceptance. 'Yes, a great decision. Well adjudicated, my fine man. I admire your keen judgement and savvy application of the Laws of the game. I acknowledge your finger and accept its ruling.' #AUSvPAK
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) December 17, 2023
Steve Smith, stop shaking your head, accept the umpire’s call and GET OFF
— Paul c Jakubik (@c_jakubik) December 17, 2023
Steve Smith is becoming the Shane Watson of LBW reviews #AUSvsPAK
— John Baker (@JackDyer17) December 17, 2023
Steve Smith gets out and does not have a sook about it challenge
— Darren W (@manikato888) December 17, 2023
Steve Smith is a wonderful cricketer, but the sulking after getting out is a bad look!
— Tim Gilbert (@TimgGilbert) December 17, 2023
But tired of Steve Smiths dissent every time he’s given out. Cop the decision & walk off. Don’t get hit on the pad standing in front of them 💁🏻♂️ #AUSvPAK
— #TPAE (@TpaeSkinnykat03) December 17, 2023
What percentage of the ball was hitting the stumps? @isaguha @kerryoshow @kokeeffe49 @gilly381 @FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/U5MTYL2u6L
— Nick Croxton (@NicholasCroxton) December 17, 2023
One of the funnier bits of weirdness in cricket is players getting mad at being given out lbw to balls that are hitting. #AusvPak
— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) December 17, 2023
Steve Smith searching for runs in home summer
Smith admitted before the Pakistan series that his batting was " probably below my standards of what I want". The 34-year-old was also the only member of the Aussie team seen taking part in a gruelling practice session in 32C heat in the lead-up to the first Test, making his failing to register a big score even more frustrating.
The class of the veteran batter cannot be denied, however, with Smith the fourth greatest run-scorer in Australian Test cricket history. His average of 58.44 is also higher than Australia's top three Test batters of all time - Ricky Ponting (51.85), Allan Border (50.56) and Steve Waugh (51.06).
Many cricket fans have argued that Smith's Test average could only really go one way after he dominated red-ball cricket for so many years. Nevertheless, Smith's decline over the last couple of years has not gone unnoticed, with supporters backing the Aussie to rediscover his best.
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