In a conflict between New South Wales and Victoria through the fourth match of the Sheffield Defend season 2024-25, Australia cricket star Steve Smith was dismissed for a duck by his worldwide teammate Scott Boland.
The match, held on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG), noticed a dramatic second-innings second as Smith, identified for his batting prowess, was despatched again to the pavilion with out scoring.
Steve Smith will get out for a duck
The essential dismissal got here within the fifth over of New South Wales’ second innings. Boland, identified for his accuracy and consistency, delivered a good-length ball that appeared to bother Steve Smith. Trying to go away the supply, Smith misjudged the road, and the ball clipped his pads earlier than touchdown in wicketkeeper Sam Harper’s gloves. Boland, alongside together with his teammates, appealed for leg-before-wicket (LBW), and the umpire rapidly raised his finger. Smith’s brief keep on the crease ended after simply 4 balls, together with his rating at 0.
Right here is the video:
A duck for Smith!
Watch reside #SheffieldShield: https://t.co/Qg3oHp6yAq pic.twitter.com/LLrskS4DND
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 22, 2024
Smith, who additionally struggled in New South Wales’ first innings. The correct-handed batter might solely handle 3 runs off 29 balls earlier than being dismissed, including to his disappointing efficiency within the match. Identified for his stable method and skill to deal with stress, Smith’s uncommon failure highlighted Victoria’s efficient bowling assault.
Additionally READ: Cricket Australia proclaims full schedule of Ashes 2025-26; Perth to host the sequence opener
New South Wales struggles of their chase
Victoria had the higher hand all through a lot of the match as they posted a decent whole of 272 of their first innings. In response, New South Wales crumbled below stress, managing simply 136, handing Victoria a 136-run lead. Victoria bowlers, contributed considerably to the bowling effort, placing New South Wales on the again foot early within the recreation.
With a considerable first-innings lead, Victoria got here out to bat confidently of their second innings. Regardless of dealing with some resistance from the New South Wales bowlers, they managed to publish a aggressive rating of 246, setting an imposing goal of 382 for New South Wales to chase. The Victorian batting lineup, led by a number of key contributions, ensured that they have been in a commanding place heading into the ultimate two days.
By the tip of Day 3, New South Wales reached 185 for the lack of 6 wickets, nonetheless needing 198 runs to win with simply 4 wickets in hand. The dismissal of key gamers, together with Smith, has left them in a precarious place. With two days remaining, the crew faces an uphill battle towards a decided Victorian bowling assault