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'Never Seen Them...': Vaughan Slams Smith, Labuschagne for Uncharacteristic Dismissals 

image-ljtpdu18Smith was dismissed by Moeen Ali [AP Photo]

Australian batting mainstays, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne fell prey to the spin of England's seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali in the second innings of the ongoing third Ashes 2023 Test at Headingley. 

Vaughan critiques Australian strategy against Moeen Ali

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has boisterously criticized their dismissals, stating that the key pair handed their wickets over in a rather characterless manner.

Despite being in a commanding position with a lead of 26 runs in the first innings and standing strong at 68 for 1 in their second innings, the tourists experienced significant setbacks in quick succession which eventually resulted in them going to Stumps on Day 2 at 116/4 with a 142-run lead.

A well-settled Labuschagne imprudently decided to go for a bold slog sweep, only to find the fielder in the deep midwicket, ending his innings at 33. Adding salt to the wound, Smith also fell in a fashion uncharacteristic of him. He tried to flick a full delivery, only to be caught at mid-wicket for 2.





"Australia will look at two areas. Their two key players, Smith and Labuschagne gifting their wickets to Moen Ali. There is nothing there for the spinners, he did a great job just holding an end up which is his job to do," Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.

Smith's uneasy presence at the crease didn't go unnoticed by Vaughan, who found it unusual for a player of his stature. According to Vaughan, the dismissals turned had a significant impact on the momentum of the game.

"But to think that Smith and Labuschagne got out to Moen Ali on that pitch, I’ve never ever seen them give it away like that. Particularly Steve Smith, I’ve never seen him look so itchy when he went to the crease. To see him get out so softly and then to see Smith follow just a couple of overs later that was a big momentum shift in the Test match," added the former England captain.

At the end of Day 2, the Test match still hangs in the balance, with both teams fighting it out for a win.