PAK vs AUS: "Shaheen Afridi Has Got..." - Steve Smith Reveals Why It's Hard To Face Left-Armer

Australia National Cricket Team modern-day batting great Steve Smith has opened up on facing the premier Pakistan National Cricket Team left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi on Day 3 of the ongoing Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test at the Perth Stadium.

The Pat Cummins-led side are in a dominant position in the ongoing Test match against the visitors. They took a lead of 300 runs at the end of the third day’s play and looked set to clinch the victory in the series opener.

Batting first, the Aussies posted a humongous total of 487 on the board, riding on the sensational century from David Warner, who amassed 164 runs, and other batters’ magnificent contributions.

When it came to bowling, the Aussies showcased sheer class once again and bundled out the Shan Masood-led side for 271 in 101.5 overs. They didn’t enforce follow-on despite having a great lead and finished Day 3 with 84/2 on the board in 33 overs with Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith unbeaten in the middle.

Shaheen has got a whippy action – Steve Smith

Steven Smith fought hard against the Pakistan bowlers in the second innings of Australia and at the end of Day 3, he was batting at 43 runs off 72 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six. He even suffered a nasty blow on his arm for which the physiotherapist was called to check on him.

Speaking after the end of the play, he provided an update on the blow he sustained, saying that he would be fine very soon. Smith further said that he found it difficult to face Shaheen Afridi at the fag end of the third day’s play because of the left-arm pacer’s whippy action.

“It’s alright; a bit of a bruise, but it will be fine. It was challenging out there, it got a bit dark, a lot of shadows out there. Shaheen has got a whippy action with his wrist so it was hard picking up the lengths but got through it,” Smith was quoted as saying after the day’s play.

Smith further said that the skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald will take a call on the declaration of the innings.

“Lead of 300, we are 2 down, so a good spot. It is up to the leaders to sort that out, the captain and coach will take a call. We are in a good position, bat well first session tomorrow and then we can make some calls from there what we want to do,” he added.

Talking about Shaheen Afridi, he hasn’t looked good with the ball in the ongoing Test series as he registered the figures of 27-7-96-1 in the first innings and he was also wicketless on Day 3.