During Day 3 of the current Test against Pakistan, Australian batsman Steve Smith, known for his eccentric behaviour, interrupted the game because of a minuscule object on the sightscreen, impacting his vision and focus.
Just before the commencement of the 71st over, Smith requested the removal of the object. The message was passed on to the groundsmen, who had to intervene since the object was beyond the usual reach. The groundsman bravely climbs up the tarp in an unusual act of courage on the third day of the Test.
A groundskeeper hurried towards the area with a sizable brush handle, while another groundskeeper chose a more spontaneous approach, scaling the slope to cheers from the crowd. He successfully retrieved the object, ensuring the sightscreen was clear, and play resumed on the field.
You can watch the video here:
Well the extended delay ends with the retrieval of… whatever that is #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZoFGEiohZm
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2024
Smith has previously discussed his unique form of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), making him fidgety and easily distracted. Consequently, he prefers minimal distractions to achieve the focused mindset required for playing Test cricket.
Steve Smith made 38 runs from 86 deliveries in the initial innings
Shortly after the removal of the object from the sightscreen, Steve Smith didn’t stay on for much longer. He fell into the cover trap set by Shan Masood and was dismissed by Mir Hamza in the 74th over of the innings.
Steve Smith’s innings of 38 runs from 86 deliveries featured three fours, and he formed a crucial partnership with Marnus Labuschagne for the third wicket. The overnight duo took to the crease after bad light and rain ended the Day 2 proceedings early in the New Year’s Test.
Labuschagne left the field after only one over following Smith’s dismissal, falling victim to a sharply spinning delivery from Salman Ali Agha that encountered the rough.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.