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Steve Smith Suffers Finger Dislocation, Taken to Hospital for X-ray

June 13, 2025, 11:43 pm

Australia have been dealt a severe setback when star batsman Steve Smith was taken for X-ray at a local hospital after he suffered a compound dislocation in his right little finger during Day Three’s play of the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at the Lord’s on Friday. Steve Smith was in close at wide first slip with a helmet in hand during the 20th over when South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, on two, edged one to the cordon off left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, and the batter couldn’t hold on to it, as he didn’t get much time to judge it.

Multiple Substitutions After Steve Smith Injury

Soon, Smith, who was located around 14 metres from the stumps, walked off the field, with teenage opening batsman Sam Konstas replacing him as a substitute fielder. But even Konstas had to receive medical attention after a few overs and was replaced by substitute fielder, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann on the field.

Steve Smith didn’t come back to the field in the post-tea session after suffering the big blow, with Cricket Australia (CA) saying that the right-handed batter ‘suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger’. “He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for X-ray and further treatment,” added CA.

Smith’s Injury a Blow Ahead of West Indies Tour

The dislocation renders Smith a huge uncertainty for appearing in their Test tour of the West Indies beginning in ten days’ time. The only respite for Australia, the present World Test Championship champions, is that Australia have completed all their batting tasks, with Smith scoring 66 and 13 respectively.

South Africa are pursuing a daunting 282 after Australia was able to score 207 in the second innings due to Mitchell Starc’s rearguard contribution of 58 and his combining with Josh Hazlewood for a 59-run last-wicket stand.

Markram Anchors South Africa’s Chase

Aiden Markram kept one end steady to remain unbeaten on 102 off 159 deliveries as South Africa moved to 213/3 in 56 overs in their second innings, needing just 69 more runs to seal a memorable victory.

South Africa would be hoping skipper Temba Bavuma is fine after being in serious pain post-tweaking his hamstring, ten minutes before the tea break. Bavuma managed to walk off at 11 not out, but an assessment in the break determined he could resume his innings in the final session. He returned to bat and batted out the day, remaining unbeaten on 65 off 121 balls.

Hardik Pandya Becomes Third Captain to Lead Multiple IPL Teams to Playoffs

May 23, 2025, 3:40 am

In a historic milestone, Hardik Pandya is only the third captain in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to take two franchises to the playoffs. Mumbai Indians’ qualification for the top four of the IPL 2025 season makes Pandya part of an exclusive club which has so far included Steve Smith and Shreyas Iyer.

Pandya’s captaincy credentials came into prominence initially when he took the Gujarat Titans to a championship victory in their inaugural season in 2022, and then again to another playoff appearance in 2023. Now, in his maiden year as Mumbai Indians’ skipper, he has led the five-time champions back to the knockout stage, demonstrating his consistency and versatility across franchises.

Exclusive Company: Smith, Iyer, and Now Hardik Pandya

Before Pandya, Australian batter Steve Smith had achieved this distinction by leading both Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant into the playoffs during his IPL tenure.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer captained Delhi Capitals to the playoffs in earlier seasons before taking Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win in 2024. He is currently at the helm of Punjab Kings, who have also made the playoffs this year, further underlining his leadership mettle.

Hardik Pandya now finds himself among these elite names, reinforcing his rise not just as a star all-rounder, but also as a strategic and influential leader in high-pressure situations.

Turnaround for Mumbai Indians and A Leader in the Making

Pandya’s return to Mumbai, the franchise where he began his IPL journey, was marked with scrutiny, especially after replacing long-time skipper Rohit Sharma. However, he has quickly silenced critics with a playoff qualification that reflects his effective captaincy style. His calm under pressure, tactical field placements, and bold bowling changes have stood out throughout the season.

With this feat, Pandya has bolstered his resume as one of the most dynamic and reliable leaders in T20 cricket today. As Mumbai Indians eye a sixth title, the spotlight will remain on their new captain, whose ability to lead from the front has already begun to shape a new chapter in the team’s storied legacy.

Pandya’s journey now serves as a blueprint for future IPL captain proving that adaptability, resilience, and belief can bring success across multiple dressing rooms.

Steve Smith Announces ODI Retirement After Australia’s Champions Trophy Exit

March 5, 2025, 1:14 pm

Australian cricketer Steve Smith has decided to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after Australia’s semi-final loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy. He led the team in the tournament after Pat Cummins was ruled out due to injury. Despite his efforts, Australia fell short of making it to the final.

A Remarkable Career in ODIs

Smith retires as one of Australia’s greatest ODI players. Over his career, he played 170 matches, scored 572 runs, and hit 12 centuries. Moreover, he played a key role in Australia’s two World Cup victories. However, his retirement means he will not be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.

Smith Reflects on His Decision

While announcing his retirement, Smith shared his gratitude for the journey. “It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” he said. “There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey.”

He also explained the timing of his decision. “Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way,” he added. Even though he is stepping away from ODIs, he believes he still has more to offer in cricket.

Australia’s Champions Trophy Performance

After the semi-final defeat, Smith addressed the media and acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. He admitted that inexperience, especially in the bowling attack, made a difference. “I think we’ve got pretty good records in big games in ICC events and I thought the guys turned up and did a really good job,” he said. “It’s obviously a bit of inexperience in our team, particularly our bowling attack. Some new guys there who I thought did a really good job as well. So, they’re going to be better for the exposure to a big event and playing against world-class players like the ones we came up against today and throughout the tournament. So, plenty of positives to take from it.”

What’s Next for Smith?

Smith was Australia’s top scorer in the semi-final, contributing 73 runs off 96 balls. With his ODI career now over and his limited role in T20s, his primary focus will be on Test cricket.

Australia Faces Another Transition

Following David Warner’s retirement last year, Australia is already in a rebuilding phase. Now, the team must also find a strong replacement for Smith in the ODI format. As the squad prepares for future tournaments, finding the right balance will be crucial for their success.

Steve Smith Survives as Ball Hits Stumps but Bails Stay Put in Semi-Final | Watch

March 4, 2025, 7:36 pm

Australia scored 264 runs in the first ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against India due to significant half-centuries by Steve Smith and Alex Carey. The match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was full of dramatic moments, one of them being a weird incident when the ball struck the stumps but did not remove the bails, giving a reprieve to Steve Smith.

Smith’s Lifeline as Bails Stay Put

Australia, after winning the toss, decided to bat first. The opening combination of Travis Head and Cooper Connolly began carefully, but India got the better of them when Mohammed Shami sent Connolly back to the pavilion without scoring. In five overs later, mystery bowler Varun Chakravarthy brought a breakthrough with the wicket of Head for 39.

But the turning point of the innings was in the 14th over when Axar Patel struck the inside edge of Steve Smith’s bat. The ball struck the base of the off-stump but, by luck for Smith, did not dislodge the bails. Rohit Sharma and the Indian team could be seen getting frustrated as Smith escaped to steady Australia’s innings.

Ball hits the stumps but damn Those Zing bails are heavy ✊
Smithy ? #championstrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/RrupcVuqCl

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) March 4, 2025

Here’s how the internet reacted:

Axar Patel cleans up Steve Smith… or does he? The bails stay put despite the ball hitting the stumps! Luck on Australia’s side? #INDvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/YCEMctUHCH

— Utpal Phukan (@theutpall3) March 4, 2025

Unbelievable! The ball rolls onto the off stump, but the bails refuse to budge! ?

Steve Smith survives a close call, leaving Axar Patel in shock!! pic.twitter.com/RCBkEP5VoH

— Lokesh Yadav (@lokeshyadav349) March 4, 2025

Oh man! Australian skipper Steve Smith rides his luck! ??

The ball rolls onto the stumps, but the bails don’t come off! ???

Unlucky for Axar Patel & Team India! ???#SteveSmith #ODIs #AUSvIND #ChampionsTrophy . pic.twitter.com/4s85Mj2nnI

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) March 4, 2025

Australia’s Batting Performance

Indian bowlers kept the pressure on consistently, but Smith (73 from 96) was the key, forming three vital partnerships of 52 runs with Head, 56 with Marnus Labuschagne, and 54 with Carey. Carey, who scored the top score of 61 from 57 balls, helped Australia reach the 250-run mark despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Labuschagne (29) was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, and Josh Inglis (17) was taken at short cover off Jadeja’s bowling. Glenn Maxwell, who was supposed to unleash himself in the death overs, played a loose shot off Axar Patel and got bowled at a critical moment.

India’s Comeback with the Ball

At one point, Australia were poised to reach a 300-plus score, but India’s tight bowling kept them from speeding up in the last overs. Shami got rid of Smith with a full toss that thudded into the stumps, ending his nicely laid-out innings. Carey, for all his fighting effort, was run out trying a speculative second run, courtesy of Shreyas Iyer’s accurate direct hit.

Ben Dwarshuis added a useful 34-run partnership with Carey before Australia was dismissed for 264. Jadeja (2/40) and Axar Patel (1/42) kept things in order during the middle overs, while Shami and Chakravarthy gave timely breaches.

India in Comfortable Position for Chase

With a score of 265 to chase, India will support themselves to run it down, considering the solid batting unit of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. Though the Dubai pitch has played favorably, pressure of a semi-final might complicate the run chase.

India’s disciplined bowling display has made it a point not to be running after an overpowering total. Australia’s attack, spearheaded by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, will then try to establish early inroads. The second innings will see a thrilling competition as India pushes for a final spot in the Champions Trophy.

Gavaskar Slams Shami for Dropped Catch: ‘No Conviction in the Attempt’

March 4, 2025, 7:11 pm

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 India vs Australia semi-final saw a turning point when Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami dropped a sharp catch of Australian captain Steve Smith. The dropped catch invited scathing criticism from former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned the commitment of Shami in going for the catch.

The incident occurred in the fourth ball of the 22nd over when Smith, who was playing at 36 along with Marnus Labuschagne, was intent on reconstructing Australia’s innings. The dropped catch helped Smith go on with his innings and eventually achieve a well-built half-century.

Gavaskar Criticizes Shami for Lack of Conviction

While ex-Pakistan captain and broadcaster Ramiz Raja conceded that the catch was tough, he pointed to the pace and power with which the ball approached Shami. Unlike him, Gavaskar was rather damning, suggesting Shami wasn’t convinced about the attempt.

This is what they said during commentary:

Ramiz Raja: “A difficult chance, this was hit hard. Travis Head’s was a scoop, this came from the middle of the blade. Hardly had any time to react. It hit him on the wrist I think.”

pic.twitter.com/c4zBOxkVmI

— The European Lad (@TheEuropeanDadd) March 4, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar: “There seem to be no conviction going for that. He is just putting his hand up in hope, you can see that, the way the hand is positioned, not looking to actually catch it. No conviction in the attempt. No wonder it was dropped.”

Shami looked irritated after losing control of the ball. The opportunity went awry as Smith went on to register a half-century, establishing solidity in Australia’s innings.

Australia Steady After Early Wickets

Although he lost Labuschagne to Ravindra Jadeja for 29 in the next over from 36 balls, Smith continued his performance well. His fifty came in the 26th over in 68 deliveries. Australia, in the same match, won the toss and decided to play first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Steve Smith Injured Ahead of Second Test Against India

December 3, 2024, 1:22 pm

Steve Smith was hit on his right thumb while batting in the nets on Tuesday, just before the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Adelaide. He was taking throwdowns from Marnus Labuschagne when the ball struck his thumb. As a result, Smith paused his batting and appeared to be in pain for a brief moment.

Medical Check

Smith received a quick check from the team’s medical staff. He moved his thumb carefully but felt little discomfort. After a short break, Smith returned to the nets, showing no signs of a serious injury.

Recent Performance

Smith’s form has been concerning. In the first Test in Perth, he scored a golden duck and only 17 runs in the second innings. Consequently, Australia lost the match by 295 runs. Moreover, Smith’s overall performance in the World Test Championship has fallen below expectations. In 13 Tests, he has managed only 755 runs, with an average of 32.82.

Squad Changes

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Test due to a side strain. Scott Boland is expected to take his place. Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been called up to cover for Hazlewood. Beau Webster joins as a backup for Mitchell Marsh, who is fit to play.

India’s Advantage

India enters the second Test with confidence after a dominant win in the first match. They also aim to overcome their past struggles in the 2020 Adelaide Test, where they were bowled out for just 36 runs.

Squads for the Second Test

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal.

The second Test begins on December 6. Australia aims to bounce back, while India looks to extend its dominance.

Steve Smith Falls Into Ex-India Keeper’s Trap After Being Asked About Opening Against India In BGT

September 25, 2024, 3:50 pm

Australia’s hopes of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from India largely rest on Steve Smith, but Deep Dasgupta believes Rohit Sharma and his team would be more than happy to see Smith continue opening the innings. Smith, a highly successful middle-order batter, took on the role of opener after David Warner’s retirement, playing against West Indies and New Zealand. However, this switch hasn’t yielded the desired results, as Smith has managed only 171 runs in eight innings, with a top score of 91* in Brisbane. In contrast, he has excelled in the middle order, where he has accumulated nearly 6000 runs batting at No. 4.

Dasgupta is convinced that Indian bowlers would welcome Smith’s decision to open during the five-Test series. Recalling a recent conversation with Smith, Dasgupta revealed the Australian star’s intentions for the upcoming series, something that might play into India’s hands. Smith had a massive impact during Australia’s previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, scoring 769 runs in four matches, and if India can dismiss him early, his decision to open could give India an advantage.

“If you’re an Indian, you’d be happy to see Steve Smith opening. You don’t want to see Steve Smith batting at 4… Starting to open? It’s a different ball game you know… Anyone who has played any level of cricket will tell you that middle order in Test cricket and opening are two very different jobs,” Dasgupta said on talkSPORT Cricket.

Dasgupta recounted his encounter with Smith, saying, “I bumped into him recently and I asked him ‘You opening? What’s that about? And I did ask him ‘Are you going to open against India as well?’ And he said, ‘yeah, I am thinking about it.’ I said ‘yeah, you should, why not?’ Because it’s quite baffling.”

Smith’s record against India has been strong, with standout performances in 2014-15 and 2017. However, his numbers dipped in recent series, including a modest 145 runs from four Tests in 2023. Dasgupta remains puzzled by Australia’s decision to make Smith open, suggesting it might be a temporary solution, though he struggles to see the reasoning behind it.

“I can understand that he’s not scoring runs and you’re trying to still find a place for him… But that wasn’t the case, was it? I don’t know. I found it very surprising,” Dasgupta added.

Rohit Sharma Reveals Surprising Pick as Batter He Enjoys Watching Currently

May 15, 2024, 5:17 pm

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma shared his admiration for England’s Zak Crawley and Australia’s Steve Smith during an interview on Dubai Eye 103.8 Radio Station. Rohit expressed enjoyment in watching Crawley’s batting closely this season, noting Smith’s unique ability to handle situations on the field.

Crawley, a 26-year-old primarily known for his Test cricket prowess, has accumulated 2,611 runs in 44 Tests for England, showcasing impressive batting skills. On the other hand, Smith, an Australian cricket legend, boasts an illustrious international career, amassing 16,225 runs across various formats, with a standout record in Test cricket.

Reflecting on his encounters on the field, Rohit reminisced about facing South African pace bowler Dale Steyn, describing him as an “absolute legend.” Rohit acknowledged Steyn’s formidable bowling skills and fierce competitiveness, acknowledging the challenges Steyn presented on the field.

Despite the difficulties, Rohit cherished the battles against Steyn, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of their encounters. While admitting to facing challenges against Steyn, Rohit appreciated the learning experiences gained from their confrontations.

Rohit Sharma is set to represent India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence from June 1 in the West Indies and USA.

Mitch Marsh leads Australia’s T20 World Cup squad

May 1, 2024, 11:50 am

The 2021 T20 World Cup champions announced their squad for the upcoming marquee short-format tournament in the West Indies and the USA, commencing from June 1 onwards. Notable omissions from the squad include veteran batter Steve Smith, promising young batting sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk, experienced seamer Jason Behrendorff, and all-rounder Matt Short.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar earned a recall despite his absence from T20Is since the last T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. Additionally, all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green secured places in the final squad, despite displaying inconsistent form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), according to the ICC.

The team will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and expects a strong performance in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.

Bailey emphasized the squad’s depth of experience and versatility, particularly in adapting to the unique conditions and challenges presented in the West Indies. He welcomed Agar’s return to the squad and highlighted the pivotal roles expected from various players, including Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cam Green, and Marsh.

Acknowledging the tough decisions in squad selection, Bailey noted the unfortunate exclusions of several in-form players like Smith, Short, Behrendorff, and others. He highlighted the ongoing development of players like Fraser-McGurk, who narrowly missed selection despite impressive performances.

Given the squad size constraint of 15 players, Bailey assured continued monitoring of players who missed out, with the possibility of changes in accordance with ICC regulations.

Australia will commence their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5, followed by Group B fixtures against England, Namibia, and Scotland.

The Australia squad comprises Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.

Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith Dropped from Australian T20I Squad Against India

November 28, 2023, 12:53 pm

Australia has announced significant modifications to its squad for the ongoing T20I series against India. To manage player workload, six members of Australia’s triumphant ODI World Cup 2023 squad will be rested for the remainder of the T20I series against the Indian team.

Following the third T20I match in Guwahati, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott are set to return to Australia. Spinner Adam Zampa had already departed for Australia, along with Steve Smith, after the demanding World Cup campaign. In contrast, Travis Head, a pivotal left-handed batter, remains with the T20I squad for the upcoming 20-over contests.

Travis Head, despite missing the initial segment of Australia’s World Cup journey due to injury, emerged as a significant contributor, delivering standout ‘Player of the Match’ performances in both the semi-final and final matches.

Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis, and Chris Green have been added to the Australian squad for the India series.

Following two consecutive defeats in the ongoing five-match series, Australia prepares to face India in the third Twenty20 International on Tuesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, and Kane Richardson have been added to the Australian squad.

Its going well, looking forward for next two months of action: Steve Smith

April 11, 2023, 3:36 pm

Steve Smith said on Monday that his side’s preparation for the ICC World Test Championship final against India is going well, and he was looking forward to the next two months of the exciting cricket auction, which will see the Aussies taking on India in England from 7 June onwards before taking on arch-rivals England in the Ashes series, which will start from 16 June.

Smith held a Q&A session with his fans on Instagram, where he answered questions from fans on the Indian Premier League (IPL), the WTC final, and the Ashes. On his preparations for the WTC final, he said, “Yeah, it is good (the preparations for the WTC final). I have been on a bit of a break, a bit of a pre-season here for a couple of weeks to keep things ticking over and then get back into my cricket preparation pretty soon, and it is obviously an exciting couple of months coming up; looking forward to it,” said Smith on being asked about preparations for the ‘Ultimate Test’.

Australia finished at the top of the ICC WTC table with 11 wins, three losses, and five draws in 19 matches. They had a win percentage of 66.67 percent. India, on the other hand, won 10 out of their 18 tests, lost five, and drew three to finish at the second spot with a win percentage of 58.8 percent.

In the current 2021-23 WTC cycle, Smith is the sixth-highest run scorer with 1,252 runs in 19 matches and 30 innings at an average of 50.08. He has scored three tonnes and six fifties, with the best score of 200*. He is the third-highest scorer for the Aussies, behind Marnus Labuschagne (1,509 runs) and Usman Khawaja (1,608 runs). On his favourite Ashes match, Smith said, “For me, Edgbaston 2019 would be tough to go past as a player. As a spectator, the 2005 entire series was outstanding to watch.”

In that Ashes Test match, Smith was making a return to the sport after serving a year-long suspension for the 2018 ball tampering scandal. Smith smashed centuries in both innings, hitting 144 and 142 to guide Australia to a 251-run win. In a five-match series that ended in a draw by 2-2, Smith emerged as the series leading run scorer, smashing 774 runs in four matches and seven innings at an average of 110.57. He scored three centuries and three fifties, with the best score of 211.

HAVE ALLOWED ASHWIN TO DICTATE TERMS: SMITH

December 30, 2020, 5:10 am

MELBOURNE: Australia batting mainstay Steve Smith, who is enduring a poor run of form in the ongoing Test series against India, said that he has allowed off-spinner R Ashwin dictate terms to him and not put him under pressure as he has done to the other spinners. “I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career.”

KOHLI PLAYED CLASSY KNOCK ON TOUGH ADELAIDE WICKET, SAYS STEVE SMITH

December 23, 2020, 4:38 am

ADELAIDE: Australia’s top batsman Steve Smith has praised Virat Kohli’s batting in the first innings of the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, adding that the Indian skipper’s absence would be a big loss for the visitors in the remaining three Tests of the ongoing series. “Look, obviously, it is a big loss for him and India, not having him for the rest of the series. You just have to look at the way he played in the first innings. That was a pretty class display against some good bowling. I know the wicket was doing a bit,” said Smith while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

Steve Smith, however, said that Kohli needs to be commended for his decision to attend the birth of his first child.

KOHLI CLOSES GAP ON SMITH AT THE TOP OF ICC TEST RANKINGS

December 21, 2020, 4:19 am

Dubai: Despite the defeat in the first Test, India skipper Virat Kohli managed to fractionally close the gap on Australia’s Steve Smith at the top of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings from 25 points to 13 points.

Kohli’s first innings of 74 enabled him to gain two points, whereas Smith’s 1 & 1* lost him 10 points in the table. In the latest rankings announced by the ICC on Sunday, Smith has 901 points while Kohli has 888. With the ball, Pat Cummins took seven wickets in the match to gain six points and move from 904 to 910, which is a comfortable lead over Stuart Broad (845) in second place. Australian pacer, Josh Hazelwood’s astonishing figures of 5/8 in India’s second innings helped him gain four spots and move back into the top five with 805 points, the first time since March 2018.

With four wickets in Australia’s first innings, India’s R. Ashwin has overtaken Jasprit Bumrah as India’s top-ranked bowler, currently in ninth place.

INDIA WILL MISS KOHLI BUT HE IS HUMAN WITH LIFE OUTSIDE CRICKET: SMITH

December 11, 2020, 6:05 am

SYDNEY: Australia’s Steve Smith has stated though Virat Kohli missing the last three Tests of the upcoming four-match series will be a big loss for Team India, fans and stakeholders will have to understand that the Indian skipper is a human being and has life outside cricket.

Kohli will lead India in the first Test to be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 17. After that he will return to India to be with his wife Anushka for the birth of their first child.

“No doubt it is a big loss for India. We know Virat is a world class player and you got to give him credit for how much he loved playing down here. (But) He is also a human being and has got a life outside of cricket and a family that is starting,” Smith told reporters in an online media interaction from Adelaide.

“Credit to him for wanting to be there for the birth of his first child. We know how much he loves playing in Australia and how good he is. Lots of credit to go to him for wanting to be there,” he added.

Smith is also being considered for the captaincy role after having served his suspension. He was banned from playing for a year and banned from captaining Australia for another year.