Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell called out in 'horrible' scenes before World Cup final
The Aussies suffered a worrying batting collapse in the semi-final against South Africa.
Australia know they will have to be miles better in the Cricket World Cup final against India on Sunday after Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell both played poor shots amid a worrying batting collapse against South Africa. The Aussies advanced to the final in a thrilling three-wicket win over the Proteas in Thursday night's semi-final, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc getting their side over the line with 16 balls remaining.
But there were concerning scenes for the Aussie batters as they suffered an all-too familiar collapse after a blistering start. After bowling out the Proteas for just 212, the Aussies were cruising early at 0-60.
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David Warner made 29 and Travis Head 62 as the openers went on the attack against the South African seamers. But the introduction of spin sparked a staggering Aussie collapse, with Cummins' side losing 5-67 as the match was turned on its head.
Mitch Marsh was dismissed for a duck after a brilliant catch from Rassie van der Dussen, while Marnus Labuschagne was out for 18 reverse sweeping, and Maxwell was bowled for one after playing a wild slog across the line. Labuschagne and Maxwell both fell to Tabraiz Shamsi, with the Eden Gardens pitch producing plenty of spin.
Smith made a composed 30 off 62 balls, while Josh Inglis chipped in with a vital 28 off 49. But Smith had an absolute brain fade to turn the game back in South Africa's favour, skying the ball straight in the air after a wild swing off the bowling of Gerald Coetzee. Wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock took a tricky catch to send Smith packing, and when Coetzee clean-bowled Inglis the Aussies were teetering at 7-193.
Former England captain Michael Atherton described Smith's shot as a “horrible hack”, while Shane Watson said: “That’s an uncharacteristic loose shot from Smith." The former Aussie captain appeared to be in a state of disbelief as he walked off the ground that he'd played such an awful shot at a crucial time.
Wtf was that shot from Smith? That was the last thing I expected from him in a KO match. He is already having a horrible WC & this didn't help at all. Now only a 100 in Finals can save this WC campaign. https://t.co/3hxFpktgLN
— Hriday (Fan-Account) (@Hriday1812) November 16, 2023
I could never imagine Smith playing that shot even in my wildest dreams in such a situation where even if he had played 5 maidens on the trot it would not have mattered even a bit... Anyone but not Steve Smith... No way..I was shocked beyond belief ..naah this is not Steve Smith
— Abhinandan (@Abhinandan6638) November 16, 2023
A very important knock this is from Smith , but ends with a bad shot which is very rare from him
— Nishant Verma / Steve Smith fan ❤️🌍 (@NikSmudge) November 16, 2023
Zampa is have an off day but he is our match winner
Maxi with the ball is just way too good , but that bad shot with the bat from him disappointed me soo much
Smithy's looks in control with the bat , but he play a bad shot at the very crucial time
Inglis's knock is Impressive— Nishant Verma / Steve Smith fan ❤️🌍 (@NikSmudge) November 16, 2023
Steve Smith played a brainless shot and let the team down at the time. Hopefully he bats sensibly against a world class Indian attack.
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) November 16, 2023
If Australia had lost this game, the blame should have been solely put on Steve Smith and Labashane... cos WTF shots where they tryna play!!!
— Yayo (@Yaw_Twum) November 16, 2023
Glenn Maxwell has achieved the rare feat of playing one of the best ever ODI knocks when the team was down and out, and one of the worst ever ODI shots when the team needs 3 runs an over, in the same World Cup. All or nothing.
— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) November 16, 2023
No point in going for attacking shots when required run rate is below par. Glenn Maxwell messed up there. That was something unbelievable to witness.#AUSvSA #AUSvsSA #SAvAUS #SAvsAUS #CWC23
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) November 16, 2023
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc save Australia's blushes
Thankfully for the Aussie batters they were saved by bowlers Starc and Cummins, who put on a 22-run partnership to get their side home. Starc made 16 not out off 38 balls, while Cummins finished on 14 not out off 29.
It marked the third time in the last few months that Cummins has been there at the end in a tense run chase for Australia. He combined with Nathan Lyon in a 55-run partnership to win the first Ashes Test while eight wickets down, and played a pivotal role when Glenn Maxwell saved Australia with a double century against Afghanistan earlier in the World Cup.
But the middle order collapse will be a cause for concern ahead of the final against an Indian side who haven't put a foot wrong so far. Rohit Sharma's side have won 10-straight matches at their home World Cup, including a 70-run victory over New Zealand in the first semi-final.
“It’s certainly going to be a big occasion, a World Cup Final in India. It’s going to be loud,” Starc said. “I think it’s just going to be a great spectacle of cricket, no doubt. There’s going to be a lot of passion there. Certainly, everyone in our changing room is looking forward to it.
“I don’t think either changing room is new to big occasions. You want to take on the best and that’s why we play the game. They’ve been the best team in the tournament so far and we both find ourselves in the final. That’s what World Cups are about.”
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