Steve Smith’s Sheffield Shield return disappoints as batter registers two single figures

Melbourne (Australia): Star batter Steve Smith’s return to Sheffield Shield Cricket ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India at home ended in disappointment as he scored single-digit scores, including a duck for New South Wales against Victoria. in Melbourne.

In the first innings, Smith was caught behind the wicket by Sam Harper off a delivery from pacer Fergus O’Neill for just three runs off 29 balls. In the next innings, Smith was again in the opposition side against the pace as Scott Boland caught him leg-side before the wicket for a four-ball duck.

https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1848563834547560532

This poor start to Smith’s journey to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no doubt bad news for Australian fans and those who value a sport that transcends national boundaries. In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, Smith has struggled mightily, scoring just 738 runs in 12 matches and 24 innings at an average of 35.14, far below his lofty standards. He has just one century and four fifties to his name, with his best score being 110.

Smith will return to number four in this series against India after a largely unremarkable performance as an opener, a position he took up following David Warner’s retirement from international cricket. In four Tests and eight innings as an opener, Smith was unimpressive, scoring just 171 runs at an average of 28.50 with a half-century. His highest score in the first stage is 91*. He showed some struggle when facing a moving ball.

However, fans can expect fireworks from one of the greatest modern batters at number four, where he played for most of his career, scoring 5,966 runs in 111 innings in 67 Tests at an average of 61.50, with 19 centuries and 26 fifties. His best score is 239.

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin with the first Test a day match at the Perth Stadium from November 22 to 26.

The second Test, scheduled for December 6-10 at Adelaide Oval, will be played in an exciting day-night format under the stadium lights. Fans will then turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which runs from December 14 to 18.

The traditional Boxing Day Test, to be held from December 26 to 30 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will be the highlight of the series, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.

This article was created from an automated news agency feed without modifications to the text.