Before the start of the 2nd Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, there was a buzz in the media on the sledging which was in action during the opening Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The hosts had made it clear they would do every possible thing to unsettle the visitors and would not leave an inch in their verbal volleys. It didn’t go down well in the English camp, and it was quite evident from the way they were targeting the Aussies.
An exaggerated leave by Smith which was a way too much even considering Smith’s animated standards raised laughs from the slip cordon following which the bowler Stuart Broad and Aussie skipper Steven Smith exchanged words. The chat continued until the end of the over, and it was on-field umpire Aleem Dar who had to intervene and separate the two.
Dar’s intervention brought the situation under control at least temporarily in front of a packed 53,000 Adelaide crowd. Even the highest England wicket-taker in Test cricket, James Anderson was involved in a heated conversation with Steven Smith at the non-striker’s end, and it was again Aleem Dar who had to separate the two.
Also Read: (Ashes 2017/18: Steven Smith will Rewrite History – Steve Waugh)
The sledging was expected to be in full swing throughout the series, but things might have turned a bit more sour for anyone’s liking. Meanwhile, the conversations helped England chip away with the wickets. Broad even ran up and celebrated at Smith’s end when the conversation brought an end to the innings of Cameron Bancroft.
Also Read: (Ashes 2017/18: Joe Root Vows To Use Steve Smith’s Laughter As Motivation)
Smith also departed off the bowling of debutant Craig Overton, as Australia was reduced to 161/4. It was disciplined bowling by the English attack, as they didn’t allow the Aussies to run away with the game. The pink ball did something, but as the day has progressed, it has become more and more batting friendly and expected to be the best tomorrow.
Smith and Anderson with PLENTY to say and Aleem decides to step in… #Ashes pic.twitter.com/gNNTdMgBMK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 2, 2017
Smith and Anderson with PLENTY to say and Aleem decides to step in… #Ashes pic.twitter.com/gNNTdMgBMK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 2, 2017