Steve Smith admits being nervous on final day following Australia’s Ashes win | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Steve Smith admits being nervous on final day following Australia’s Ashes win

Omnisport, Adelaide | ByDejan Kalinic/Omnisport
Dec 06, 2017 02:05 PM IST

Steve Smith admitted to being nervous on the final day but stated that he had the belief that the hosts would pull off a win against England in the Pink Ball Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Australia captain Steve Smith admitted to feeling nerves heading into day five before his team wrapped up a second Test win over England.

Steve Smith did not enforce the follow-on against England and Australia were bowled out for 138 in their second innings, giving Joe Root’ side a glimmer of hope.(AFP)
Steve Smith did not enforce the follow-on against England and Australia were bowled out for 138 in their second innings, giving Joe Root’ side a glimmer of hope.(AFP)

In the end, it was relatively comfortable for Australia, who took six wickets inside two hours in Adelaide on Wednesday to claim a 120-run win and 2-0 Ashes series lead.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

But it was more difficult than expected after Smith decided against enforcing the follow on with his team holding a 215-run first-innings lead, only to then get skittled for 138.

Smith said there was some nervousness heading into the final day, but he was pleased for his team.

“A little bit [of nervousness], but we always had the faith in the team and the belief,” he told Channel 9. “We thought if we could come out and bowl really well, hit our lengths and get one or two wickets then things can happen pretty quickly. We weren’t too far away from the new ball, which was exciting. It happened really quickly and I’m pleased for the boys, I thought they came out and showed some really good character.”

Smith admitted that the follow-on decision had given him an unsettling night ahead of day five, but felt vindicated in his decision by the result.

“Would I do the same again? I’m not sure,” he told BT Sport. “It’s played on my mind a little bit over the last couple of days and I thought: ‘Have I made a mistake here, have I not?’ On another day I might decide to go the other way but, in the end, we’ve won the Test match so it’s irrelevant.”

An unbeaten 126 from Shaun Marsh, who was named the player of the match, in the first innings helped set up Australia’s win.

Marsh was a surprise selection at number six for the hosts and Smith lauded the left-hander.

“I thought Shaun was phenomenal, the way he played in the first innings after getting sent in was extraordinary and it was an incredible hundred,” he said.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On