One of the most-talked-about topics in the build-up to the Ashes was the captaincy debut in the iconic series for Steve Smith and Joe Root- two of the best Test batsmen in the world at the moment.
First up to get a chance to justify the hype was Joe Root. The right-handed batsman came to the crease when two England’s Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince had set the tone for a big score with fluent fifties. However, the England skipper could last only 50 balls which yielded just 15 runs.
On the other hand, Smith could not have asked for a tougher start to his captaincy debut in the Ashes. He came to the crease when debutant Cameron Bancroft returned to the pavilion cheaply and was soon followed by David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb. Smith, however, showed why he is the number one ranked Test batsman in the world as he first shared a 99-run stand with Shaun Marsh to steady the ship.
The road ahead, however, only became tougher for the Australia skipper as the hosts lost three quick wickets on day three and were reeling at 209 for 7 in pursuit of England’s first innings total of 302. But just when it looked, England would surge ahead, Smith shared handy partnerships with the lower-order batsman and scored a sublime century to shift the momentum towards his team.
His reaction after reaching the three-figure told the whole story as he emotionally thumped the Australian crest on his jersey.
Awesome. #Ashes #ohwhatafeeling @Toyota_Aus pic.twitter.com/asoMAsPSeV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 25, 2017
“It just meant a lot, the Ashes series always means a lot,” Smith told reporters about his emotional celebration. “As the captain, I want to lead from the front as much as I can. All of it came out when I reached a hundred.”
Smith remained unbeaten on 141 as Australia scored 328 to take not only a handy 26-run lead but also got the momentum which was very much visible when their bowlers came out all guns blazing in the second innings.
Josh Hazlewood dismissed Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman cheaply while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon too caused a lot of trouble for the visitors who finished the day on 33 for 2.
Smith further took a dig at England’s tactics, stating that the visitors had adapted a negative approach throughout the innings.
“There was some defensive fields set, boundaries were hard to get,” he said. “I was waiting for balls in my area and being really disciplined, which is what I did really well today. I was just playing the ball on its merits and being patient, waiting for them to bowl where I wanted them to bowl.
“It was as if they were waiting for our batters to make a mistake,” he added. “It felt very defensive and it might be a series where boundaries are hard to come by.”
Smith also said his 21st Test century in just his 57th game was up there with his best in Test cricket, given the situation of the game.
“It would be up there,” Smith said. “With the team in trouble, I had to bat some time and dig deep. I just had to fight really hard, get through difficult periods and just keep batting. It took me time to hit a groove.
“Batting this morning, everything felt really good,” he added. “I certainly take a lot of confidence over how I played, especially the discipline I showed.”
He also had a word of praise for the bowlers, saying:
“I thought the bowlers bowled well this evening, they have to do that in the morning. Hopefully, we can get a few early ones and put the pressure on.”
