Australian batsman Steven Smith has made a bold statement at Edgbaston during the ongoing Ashes 2019 campaign. He conceded that booing doesn’t bother him following the jeering from Edgbaston crowd on Thursday (August 1). Meanwhile, when crying masks grabbed headlines, the raucous Edgbaston crowd further made things miserable for the Aussie star.
Read More : Arsenal sign Nicolas Pepe for a club record fee of £72 million
While playing the first Ashes Test in Birmingham, Australian trio including David Warner and Cameron Bancroft had to face booing from a section of English fans.
Smith’s redemption at Edgbaston:
However, with Smith returning to the Test fold following the 12-month ban for the ball-tampering saga in Cape Town which took place in March 2018, Smith had backed himself to slam a fine hundred against England to win hearts once again on the cricketing field.
“It [crowd booing] doesn’t bother me to be perfectly honest, I know I’ve got the support of the guys in the room and for me that’s all that really matters,” Smith told in a press conference.
When Australia were reeling at 122 for eight, Smith had taken the onus on his shoulders. He went on to record his overall 24th Test ton apart from scoring his ninth Ashes century.
From 122 for the loss of eight wickets, Smith had registered crucial 88 and 74 run-stands for the 10th and No. 11 respectively.
Thus, with the cameos of Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon, Smith had helped Australia to reach 284.
Earlier, Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss. However, the English bowlers had kept things tight with Stuart Broad ending up on claiming a five-wicket haul.
Read More : Kamran Akmal Sheds Light on Captaincy and Coaching Staff for Pakistan
The right-handed batsman had registered 144 to help Aussies following a batting collapse. Smith has been hailed as a hero for his resilient knock against the Three Lions.
Smith kisses badge post 24th hundred:
In response, Smith had responded with his bat by playing some delightful strokes which eventually reflected as if Smith hadn’t left the field for a prolonged gap.
Interestingly, we Smith played a trademark shot on the bowling of Ben Stokes, the crowd had applauded him for reaching the triple-figure mark.
“They went berserk on the balcony when I got to a hundred and just looking up at them really sent shivers down my spine. It’s been a long time coming, getting another Test hundred. And it was a huge moment and I’m lost for words. I don’t really know what to say at the moment,” Smith added.
Meanwhile, Smith had shown grit on his return. Now, many expect runs will galore from his bat in the ongoing traditional Ashes series.