On Day 3 of the second Ashes 2023 Test, Australia appeared to be firmly in control, so much so that even wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow’s attempt to unsettle Steve Smith failed to bother him. The Australian team was comfortably placed at 123/2 when Smith left a delivery from James Anderson, allowing Bairstow to collect the ball. This marked the beginning of a lighthearted exchange between the wicketkeeper and Australia’s No. 4 batsman.
Known for his idiosyncratic mannerisms at the crease, both before and after facing a delivery, Smith’s movements caught Bairstow’s attention. Seizing the opportunity, Bairstow decided to playfully imitate Smith’s mannerisms in an attempt to ruffle his feathers.
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Upon collecting the ball, Bairstow quipped, “I reckon you’re the next on Strictly Australia.” Unbeknownst to Bairstow, the popular UK show “Strictly Come Dancing” is aired in Australia under the name “Dancing With The Stars.” Naturally, Smith was puzzled by the remark and responded, “What’s that?” Bairstow then clarified his sledge, saying, “Bit of dancing for you.”
Steve Smith, seemingly unimpressed, concluded the conversation with a dismissive remark, “Wouldn’t have thought so.” Bairstow’s sledge served as an indication of England’s frustration during the match.
Few words exchange between Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s. pic.twitter.com/TFG48FR9gJ
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 30, 2023
The incident involving Bairstow’s attempt to sledge Smith out of the blue provided a glimpse into England’s mounting frustration on Day 3. After finishing Day 2 at Lord’s with a score of 278/4, the home team could only add 47 more runs before being dismissed for 325.
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Australia, having already amassed a first-innings lead of 91 runs, extended their advantage by a further 130 runs and still had eight wickets in hand. Usman Khawaja (58 not out) and Smith (6 not out) were at the crease, giving the visitors a sense of control over the Test match, despite rain affecting the final hour of play on Day 3.
At present, England finds themselves playing catch-up in the game. If they wish to avoid chasing a monumental target, the hosts will need to strike early on Day 4 and potentially trigger a batting collapse in the Australian lineup.
