Steve Smith as soon as once more showcased his distinctive slip-catching abilities with a pointy seize to dismiss Avishka Fernando through the 1st ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka on the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Steve Smith’s sharp reflexes end in Avishka Fernando’s dismissal
Aaron Hardie struck early in his first over, dismissing Fernando for only one with a well-directed back-of-a-length supply that extracted motion off the floor. The ball pitched round off stump and formed away late, forcing Fernando into an indecisive push with none vital foot motion. Caught in two minds, he prolonged his palms away from his physique, attempting to really feel for the ball quite than taking part in it with conviction. The late motion discovered the thick outdoors fringe of his bat, and the ball flew rapidly in the direction of the slip cordon at a tough top.
Smith, stationed at second slip, reacted instinctively because the ball traveled quick to his left. As a substitute of going exhausting at it, he stayed low and allowed the ball to return to him, guaranteeing he had management whereas taking the catch. His comfortable palms absorbed the affect, stopping the ball from coming out upon contact. The sharp reflex seize highlighted Smith’s unbelievable anticipation and protected palms, reinforcing his fame as among the finest slip fielders in world cricket.
Fernando, having didn’t cowl the motion, may solely watch in disappointment as Smith accomplished the dismissal with ease. The wicket left Sri Lanka struggling at 6/2, giving Australia the early benefit. Hardie’s disciplined line and skill to extract motion proved essential, whereas Smith’s fast reactions ensured the chance was not wasted.
Right here’s the video:
Now it is Aaron Hardie who strikes in his first over 😮
Avishka wafts at one and Smith with the protected palms #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/1XBAHwyBg7
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025
Additionally READ: SL vs AUS, 1st ODI: Right here’s why Mitchell Starc shouldn’t be taking part in as we speak’s match
Sri Lanka struggles as Australia dominate powerplay in 1st ODI
Sri Lanka’s resolution to bat first backfired as Australia’s disciplined bowling assault made early inroads, leaving the hosts reeling at 39/4 on the finish of the primary powerplay. Spencer Johnson set the tone with a pointy supply that noticed Pathum Nissanka edge behind within the very first over. Hardie then capitalized on the early motion, dismissing Fernando cheaply as Smith took a pointy catch at slip.
Kusal Mendis appeared promising, putting 4 boundaries, however Hardie’s constant line compelled an error, and he was caught by Matthew Quick. Kamindu Mendis adopted quickly after, falling to Jake Fraser-McGurk’s catch off Johnson’s bowling. With Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage left to rebuild, Sri Lanka ended the powerplay in serious trouble at 39/4, struggling in opposition to Australia’s relentless assault.
