After returning from the one-year suspension, Australian cricketer Steven Smith has performed remarkably against England in the Ashes 2019. But he has again entered into controversy. According to the media reports, Smith mocked Jack Leach during Australia’s celebration to retain the Ashes title.
The defending Ashes titleholder Australia have retained the latest Ashes title after winning the fourth Test of Ashes 2019 at OId Trafford (Manchester) by 185 runs. In this five-match Test series, Australia have already taken the 2-1 lead after the fourth Test.
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Since 2001, it is the first time when Australia will return to home with the away Ashes title. Australia won the first Test of Ashes 2019 at Birmingham by 251 runs. Australia-England had a thrilling draw result in the second Test at Lord’s (London). England snatched a one-wicket victory in the thrilling third Test of this series at Leeds.
Steven Smith is undoubtedly the best performer in this series. The leading run-scorer in Ashes 2019 has scored 671 runs in five innings with an average of 134.20. He has scored 144, 142, 92, 211 and 82 runs respectively. Despite missing to bat in three innings in Ashes 2019 due to concussion, Smith is way ahead from the other batsmen.
Was Steven Smith mocking Jack Leach?
After winning the fourth Test, the Australian players celebrated in the ground for retaining the Ashes title. During that celebration, many have felt that Smith mocked the English left-arm spinner Jack Leach. Smith wore the glasses and also shadow-batted as a left-hander, very much similar to Leach.
Leach has played three Tests of the Ashes 2019. On the final day of the fourth Test, Leach fought hard to save that Test as he scored 12 runs off 51 balls. He and Craig Overton (21 runs off 105 balls) made the life tougher for the Australians as their ninth wicket partnership spent 14 overs before the dismissal of Leach.
Moreover, Jack Leach played one of the crucial roles with the bat during England’s thrilling victory in the Leeds Test. In the fourth innings chase of 359 runs, Leach came to bat at 286/9 and protected his wicket for enough time that helped Ben Stokes to secure a memorable victory. Leach remained not out on 1 run off 17 balls while he spent around one hour on the pitch.
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However, Getty Photographer Ryan Pierse has claimed that Smith was imitating the style of Chris Rogers. The former Australian left-handed opening batsman also wore glasses.