The intense rivalry between Australia and England in the Ashes series continues to escalate as mind games take center stage on and off the field. The latest incident involves England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow attempting to get into the head of Australia’s batting mainstay, Steve Smith, after his dismissal in the ongoing Headingley Test.
Steve Smith was looking to build a strong partnership for Australia in the second innings when he became the 200th Test victim of spinner Moeen Ali. He whipped the ball straight to mid-wicket where Ben Duckett took the catch. As Smith made his way back to the pavilion, Jonny Bairstow said something to him that didn’t sit well with the modern great.
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Bairstow’s comments were a response to Smith’s catch to dismiss him in the slip cordon during the first innings. Trying to gain a mental edge over the opposition, Jonny Bairstow gave a send-off to Smith by saying, “See ya, Smudge.” Despite Smith not fully understanding what Bairstow said, the English stumper clarified that he would meet him again soon, saying, “I said ‘see you later’.” This exchange left Smith visibly furious.
A special send-off for @stevesmith49 by @jbairstow21 🫢#TheAshes is always incomplete without such friendly banter 😉#SonySportsNetwork #RivalsForever #ENGvAUS #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/Ro4ijocmsv
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 7, 2023
Talking about the ongoing third Ashes Test, England off-spinner Moeen Ali made a crucial impact by taking two consecutive wickets. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (33 off 77 balls) and Steve Smith (2 off 9 balls), bringing England back into the contest.
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At stumps on Day 2, Australia stands at 116/4, with Mitchell Marsh (17* off 43 balls) and Travis Head (18 off 52 balls) at the crease. Their partnership aims to steer the visitors out of trouble as they currently hold a lead of 142 runs over England.
The fiery exchanges and intense competition between Australia and England in the Ashes series continue to captivate cricket fans, making each moment of the contest highly anticipated.
