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Steve Smith Frustrated As Jadeja Wraps Labuschagne With A Hug During Maiden Over

Soumyajit Dutta

Steve Smith frustrated at Jadeja's behaviour [Source: @gbb_cricket/X.com]Steve Smith frustrated at Jadeja's behaviour [Source: @gbb_cricket/X.com]

Cricket, often a theatre of fiery banter and mind games, witnessed an unusual moment of levity-turned-controversy during the high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Australia in Dubai. 

Things took an unexpected turn during the match when India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja raised eyebrows, and Steve Smith’s temper, by playfully embracing Marnus Labuschagne mid-over after a collision, a move that left the Australian captain visibly irritated.

Jadeja's Hug Leaves Smith Frustrated

The drama unfolded during Jadeja’s terrific maiden over in the 21st over of Australia’s innings. On the second ball (20.2), Jadeja bowled a good-length delivery at 87.8 km/h to Steve Smith, who punched it back toward the bowler. 

As Jadeja moved to field the ball, he collided with Marnus Labuschagne, who was backing up at the non-striker’s end. In a moment of spontaneity, Jadeja wrapped his arms around Labuschagne in a light-hearted hug, drawing laughter from the Indian fielders but visibly frustrating Smith.

The Australian skipper was seen gesturing angrily, upset that Labuschagne’s momentum, and potential run-scoring opportunity, had been disrupted. 

Australia Builds Innings After Amidst Tumbles

Nevertheless, at the time of writing, Australia stands at 152 for 4 after 29 overs, opting to bat first in the high-pressure semi-final clash against India. Steve Smith has been the anchor for Australia. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 29 off 36 balls before being trapped lbw by Jadeja. 

Earlier, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy provided crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Cooper Connolly and Travis Head, respectively. Notably, Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental with the ball, maintaining an economy of 3.83 in his six overs while claiming the vital wicket of Labuschagne and Josh Inglis. 

With Smith and Alex Carey at the crease, Australia's immediate focus will be on building a steady partnership to reach a competitive total against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.