I Took A Few More Risks Than I Would Usually: Steve Smith

Steve Smith hit the top gear in his home ground of Sydney as Australia beat India in the first ODI, commencing their home summer ecstatically. Steve Smith’s fiery hundred was one of the most significant reasons that Australia was able to reach an imposing total of 374 that proved a bridge too far for India. The former Australian captain felt glad to have his rhythm back that he was searching for the last two months.

It was Aaron Finch, who won the toss, electing to bat first, and got the hosts to a perfect start. Finch and David Warner added 156 for the opening stand, laying a solid foundation for the lower-order to build on. Steve Smith came at number three and began his innings steadily. At one stage he was 19 off 20 balls and shortly plundered a flurry of boundaries. He reached his fifty off 35 deliveries and began looking even more dangerous.

Smith added 108 with Finch, 57 with Glenn Maxwell, and 41 with Alex Carey as Australia looked almost unstoppable. In the 48th over, the 31-year old brought his 10th ODI hundred and his second-fastest with a single through point off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling that had ten fours and four sixes. Overall, he had 11 fours and four maximums. By that stage, the home side was on track for a total of above 360 to put India under pressure.

You need a bit of luck sometimes: Steve Smith

Steve Smith, who earned the man of the match for his 105 off 66 balls, did have his share of luck; however, he said it is sometimes needed. The New South Wales batsman stated he had been searching for rhythm for a couple of months now and was relived to find it while training recently. Smith credited Warner and Finch for setting the platform and only saw and hit the ball, taking more risks than he usually would. As far as realizing to review the LBW decision off Jadeja’s bowling when he was adjudged out, Smith thought it was high and fortunately turned out that way.

“I’ve been searching for something for a couple of months now, unfortunately haven’t been able to find it. But a couple of days ago I started to hit the ball where I wanted it, and everything came back, the rhythm came back. Finchy and Davey set an excellent platform, we could come and just take off. I wasn’t thinking too much out there, just seeing the ball and hitting it. That’s probably when I bat my best. I took a few more risks than I would normally, targeted some bowlers and fortunately it came off today. I thought it was a bit high (on the lbw referral) and fortunately it was. You need a bit of luck sometimes, nice to ride it today and score a few for the team,” Steve Smith said in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: We’ve Barely Been Together As A Team, Says Aaron Finch After Thumping Win Over India