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[Watch] Pakistan’s ‘Impeccable’ Field-Placement Leaves Steve Smith Doomed

image-lr0blm7cSteve Smith departs (AP Photos)

Shan Masood succeeded Babar Azam as the Test captain of the Pakistan cricket team a couple of months ago. Azam, who relinquished captaincy across all formats following the World Cup debacle, vowed to support Masood to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Interestingly, the coordination between the two captains was on full display on Day 3 of the SCG test currently in play between Australia and Pakistan.

Day 3 of the final test of the series saw Steve Smith and Marnus Labuchagne walk out to reduce the trail set up by the visitors. However, during the final hour before lunch, Shan Masood set up a perfect trap for Smith.

It is no hidden secret that Steve Smith loves to play inside-out shots. Masood had done his homework and chose to set a trap to see if Smith would fall for it. He set up three fielders towards covers inside the 30-yard circle to encourage Smith to go for the kill by clearing the infield.



Smith In Disbelief As He Falls In Pakistan's Trap!

Meanwhile, a young Mir Hamza got the message, and he bowled a fuller length delivery just outside the off-stump, thus inviting the veteran batter to go for the drive. 

Steve Smith, despite knowing that the field was set to trap him, fell for it. He attempted the drive but mistimed it completely. He couldn't get the necessary elevation to clear the infield, and the ball flew straight to Babar Azam at short cover, who timed his jump precisely to take a sharp catch.


And with that, Pakistan managed to break a dangerous partnership between Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, and Masood guided his side back into the contest with his tactical brilliance.

Shan Masood had impressed so far with his captaincy and his performance with the bat in his first assignment as the red ball unit's leader. Despite the steep challenge, the skipper wore his heart on his sleeves to ensure that his side stayed competitive.

However, the SCG test currently hangs in the balance. Pakistan witnessed a collapse in the final hour of the final session of Day 3. Australia, as of this writing, remains in the driver's seat to accomplish a series sweep.