'I Said to Patty Why Don't We...': Steve Smith Reveals Mastermind Role in England's Downturn in Lord's Test
England were attacked with a barrage of short-balls in the last hour on Day 2 (AP News)
Australian batter, Steve Smith, has revealed that he was the mastermind in formulating the plan to deploy an onslaught of short-pitched deliveries against England's batting line-up during the second day of the ongoing Lord’s Test, following the untimely injury of fellow teammate Nathan Lyon.
Ashes 2023: Steve Smith unleashes tactical brilliance on Day 2 of Lord's Test
Smith further stated his shock at the response generated by the Englishmen in the face of this tactic that was entailed by the absence of spinner Nathan Lyon due to injury.
After Australia set a colossal total of 416 in the first innings, England seemed to be in a strong position at 188/1. However, their fortunes took a sharp downfall as Ollie Pope (42), Ben Duckett (98), and Joe Root (10) all succumbed to the temptation of the short ball, resulting in the hosts slipping to 222/4. However, a steady 56-run partnership between Harry Brook (45*) and Ben Stokes (17*) managed to restore a semblance of stability to the proceedings.
Smith provided insights into the formation of Australia's strategy on the eventful second day of the ongoing Ashes series at Lord's. The former Australian captain confided in Pat Cummins in the wake of Lyon's absence and suggested a bold foray into employing an aggressive short-pitched approach against England.
“I said to Patty (Cummins), 'Why don't we go for it with the short stuff?” revealed Smith.
Smith further explained that most fast bowlers would not be inclined to repeatedly deliver short-pitched deliveries but he believed it was the most wise course of action on the relatively tame Lord's pitch.
“You ask most of the fast bowlers, they probably wouldn't want to keep charging in and bowling short stuff, but while it looked as likely as it did on a pretty benign surface, I think it was the right way to go,” added the batting maestro.
Smith expressed that if England were to effectively counter the short-ball strategy and provide resistance, Australia might consider altering their approach.
“If you get under a few, then we might stop doing it - maybe, I'm not sure - but they kept taking it on and they kept presenting opportunities for us,” concluded Smith.
Meanwhile, not only did Smith conceive of this innovative strategy, but he also played an instrumental role in executing it on the field. He grabbed a crucial catch at deep backward square leg to dismiss Pope and showed his athleticism by taking a stunning diving catch to put an end to Joe Root’s innings.
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