After being removed by Moeen Ali, Australian batsman Steve Smith got into a little argument with England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow in the 3rd Ashes Test 2023. Smith was on his way out to the pavilion when Bairstow spoke to him shortly after Smith was caught by Ben Duckett. The comment irked Smith, who even yelled at Bairstow before walking away.
According to stump mic videos posted by Sky Sports, it can clearly be seen Bairstow starting the topic by saying, “See ya Smudge,” to which Smith retaliated by saying, “What did you say mate?” and followed it up with an angry “Hey.” Bairstow would then respond by saying,” I said ‘cheers, see you later,” as Smith went back to the pavilion.
How has the third Ashes 2023 test panned out till now?
Ben Stokes, the captain, and even the bowler Mark Wood pushed on the offensive in England’s first innings, limiting the pressure of the deficit to merely a 26-run lead for Australia. In response to Australia’s 263 in the first innings after being put into bat, the hosts were bowled out for 237. Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia, amassed his maiden five-wicket test performance in England by taking 6-91 in his 18 overs.
After lunch, England began play with a score of 147-7, 121 runs down. That margin was immediately cut in half as Stokes went from being 27 not out to scoring a team-best 80 in the afternoon session, featuring five sixes and six fours. Todd Murphy took his first wicket on English soil as he was able to take the much-needed wicket of Ben Stokes. Ollie Robinson and Stokes put up a 38-run partnership for the last wicket, with Robinson finishing five not out.
Joe Root, the key England batsman, was out on the first ball of the game and Jonny Bairstow was gone within the first 30 minutes as Australia taught the home team a lesson in slip-catching. Before they were bowled before noon, Moeen Ali had just added a crucial 21 as well as Chris Woakes had only contributed 10. Ali’s weak pull shot cost him his wicket.
Fans react to Jonny Bairstow’s send-off to Steve Smith during the 3rd Ashes 2023 Test: –
Ashes cricket >>>> pic.twitter.com/0yLtI4tQTJ
— England's Barmy Army ???????? (@TheBarmyArmy) July 7, 2023
Well just like Ollie. Bairstow channelling frustration due to his own bad form into sledging. Hold on to your catches @jbairstow21, stay in your crease and FFS let your bat do the talking.
— Fake Name (@boredtweeple) July 7, 2023
Have you ever seen Gautam vs Afridi?
— Jawwad (@jawwad09) July 7, 2023
can u guys please tell me why england players arw crying
— @sun (@Rainbow1234456) July 7, 2023
Why was he so annoyed about “smudge”
— Zaid (@Zashy120) July 7, 2023
Very very funny how many Aussies are getting upset about sledging when Merv Hughes who in my book is the legend of sledging is in charge of the touring Aussies. Thought you lit were the tough guys.
— Mike (@MikeBHM) July 7, 2023
Not greater than Ind Pak
— Pure talk (@Pure51262Talk) July 7, 2023
One bloke is one of the best batsman in history. The other can’t remember when he’s allowed to leave his crease. Not sure this interaction will bridge the capability gap….
— Stephen Roche (@StephenRoche100) July 8, 2023
No issues whatsoever… so long as wandering Jonny doesn’t crack the sads when our boys return serve.
— Sean Peter-Budge (@SeanPeterBudge) July 7, 2023
Hard to say what’s worse – Johnny’s sledging, his keeping, his batting or knowledge of the rules of the game.
— MJC73 (@MathewCowden) July 8, 2023
Bairstow is literally keeping australia in the game and has them leading the series. If Johnny wasn’t such a flop England would be 1-1 and beating Australia by 150 runs in this match for 2-1. We Aussies thank you Johnny.
— Ben Nexhip (@ben_nexhip) July 7, 2023
