Australian batsman Steve Smith was booed heavily by the Kiwi fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday during the second Test between the hosts and New Zealand. Smith responded with his bat as he went on to play the knock of 77* and ended the day unbeaten to guide Australia to a strong total. Despite the boos and a disciplined effort from the New Zealand bowlers, Australia dominated the proceedings on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.
Trent Boult drew the first blood for New Zealand in the form of Aussie opener Joe Burns, who was dismissed on a duck. Marnus Labuschagne then combined with David Warner (41) to steady the ship for the hosts and add a 61-run partnership after Burns’s dismissal. Following Warner’s dismissal, Labuschagne continued his fine run and scored a brilliant 63 off 149 balls to stitch a partnership of 83 runs for the third wicket with Smith.
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Smith got into his groove and countered the Kiwi pacers well with his unorthodox batting. However, it was not an easy day for him as he was booed by the visiting fans as he walked in to bat after Warner’s dismissal. Kiwi fans brought out placards with throwback pictures of Smith crying in a press conference after the infamous Sandpaper Gate last year.
Smith, along with teammates Warner and Cameron Bancroft, was banned from playing any form of cricket by Cricket Australia. While Bancroft was banned for nine months, Smith and Warner were suspended for a year each. The duo, however, made a strong return to international cricket, earlier this year and are back to their best.
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Reacting to the boos he received in Melbourne while walking out to bat in the ongoing second Test, Smith said he is used to it now and has learned to block all the negativity. During the post-day press conference, Smith said, “Is that what happened? I have no idea. I don’t really listen when I walk out to bat. Cheering, booing, dunno (don’t know). I’ve learned to just block it all out, regardless, good or bad.”
Smith will be looking to continue his good form on Day 2 of the Test match and bring up his century.
