Ashes Heats Up As Jonny Bairstow And Steve Smith Get Involved In Ugly Sledging Episode

Jonny Bairstow’s ploy to unsettle Steve Smith on day 3 of the ongoing second Ashes Test between England and Australia hilariously backfired.

Smith has been in stunning form in the ongoing game. The former Australia skipper failed to get going in the first Test at Edgbaston, scoring 16 and 6 although the visitors went on to win the clash by 2 wickets. He, however, hit the top gear in the ongoing game at the Lord’s. In the first innings, the right-handed batsman played a sublime knock of 110 runs to register his 32nd Test ton.

With Smith in imperious form and Australia on the front foot when he walked out to bat in the second innings, Jonny Bairstow decided to take matters into his own hands. It, however, did not take him long to regret his decision as it spectacularly backfired.

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Jonny Bairstow sledges Steve Smith:

Soon after Smith walked out to bat, Jonny Bairstow tried to get under his skin. In an attempt to ensure that Smith does not get in his grooves and break his concentration, Bairstow tried to sledge him but it went woefully wrong as the Australia star failed to understand the England wicketkeeper.

After leaving a delivery from James Anderson, Smith moved across the pitch in his unique manner before Bairstow walked up to him and said: “I reckon you’re the next on Strictly Australia”.

The sledge was in reference to the famous dance show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, informally known just as ‘Strictly’ in the UK. Smith, however, was not aware of the show and instead of being distracted by the sledge, he decided to ask Bairstow about it as he was heard saying: “What’s that?”

In reply, Bairstow said: “Bit of dancing for you.” Smith then ended the conversation by telling the England star: “Wouldn’t have thought so.”

Talking about the game, Australia have put themselves in the driver’s seat after dominating the first three days of the second Test. At stumps on day 3, they were on 130 for 2 with their overall lead extended to 221 runs. The visitors are leading the five-match series after winning the first Test.

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