- Australian star Steve Smith takes the catch of the summer
- He took advantage of an earlier opportunity by bowling to Pat Cummins
- Australia chases 2-1 series lead in Brisbane
Australian cricket star Steve Smith has savored his moment of redemption after receiving an absolute shout-out in the stands to dismiss India’s KL Rahul.
It followed that the veteran, 35, dropped the batsman on the first ball of day four in Brisbane during the third Test on Tuesday.
His reaction to the classic grab told the story, with an excited Smith visibly relieved as his team chased a 2-1 series lead in the rain-affected match.
Previously, Smith was furious after mentioning the simple clash, with followers quick to criticize him against X.
“Could easily cost Australia this Test match… you shouldn’t belittle them,” one fan posted in response.
Another said: “Catches win games.”
A third chimed in with: ‘There’s no excuse for leaving that. It is a terrible mistake.
Meanwhile, pacer Josh Hazlewood will undergo scans for a sore calf after managing just one on the fourth morning in Brisbane before leaving the field.
Australian cricket star Steve Smith has savored his moment of redemption after taking an absolute shout at the slips to dismiss India’s KL Rahul.
Smith showed remarkable reflexes to stay on the edge of Nathan Lyon’s bowling (pictured right, Indian batsman KL Rahul)
Smith was elated after dropping the batsman on the first ball of day four in Brisbane during the third Test (pictured, celebrating the wicket)
Pacer Josh Hazlewood will undergo scans for a sore calf after managing just one more on the fourth morning of the third Test in Brisbane before leaving the field.
Having already overcome a side strain to face India at the Gabba, Hazlewood felt pain in his calf and left the field.
The team’s medical staff confirmed that Hazlewood first experienced “consciousness” while warming up for day four, which led to him remaining off the field for the start of the game.
He remained absent for two overs, before coming in and bowling just before the first drinks break.
The seamer was noticeably off pace in that over, with his first delivery an unusual long bounce that KL Rahul sent to the point boundary.
By the time the drinks were taken, Hazlewood was in deep discussion with captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and the Australian team’s physiotherapist, before leaving the field.
Cricket Australia has since confirmed that scans will be carried out to assess the issue.
Scott Boland is tipped to be Hazlewood’s replacement if he misses any further Tests, having replaced him with aplomb in Adelaide.
Hazlewood has battled lateral strain issues in the past, and similar injuries are largely responsible for him only playing three Tests between late January 2021 and early June 2023.
The quick had bowled five overs on Monday for Australia without any problems, before Tuesday’s concern.