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Smith's tactical masterstroke continues incredible form

Steve Smith's incredible form continued in the second ODI at Manuka Oval, but it wasn't just his batting and fielding that shone.

The Aussie skipper was seen giving Pat Cummins some strange hand signals right before the paceman dismissed Martin Guptill caught behind.

SCORECARD: Australia v New Zealand, second ODI

After Guptill hit Cummins through the covers for two consecutive boundaries, Smith appeared to gesture to his bowler to hold the ball across the seam, rather than down the seam as is convention.

Cummins follows the orders. Image: Channel 9
Cummins follows the orders. Image: Channel 9

And the tactical masterstroke paid off immediately as Cummins got Guptill to nick one the very next ball.

Image: Channel 9
Image: Channel 9

It was the second instance in the series of Smith out-thinking the Kiwis.

In Sydney he could very easily have been out LBW early in his record-breaking innings, but convinced Kane Williamson not to review the not out decision with some cheeky gamesmanship.

Smith made an impressive 72 in Canberra on the back of his 164 and incredible catch in the first ODI at the SCG.

Although he didn't have it all his own way, copping a brutal low blow: