Steven Smith’s unbeaten 80* gives Australia the first ODI against England by 6 wickets
Aus vs Eng: Masterclass Innings by Steven Smith
Is Steven Smith back in his prime leading up to the ODI World Cup next year: A cheerful Steve Smith spoke about how well his one-day batting performance against England On Thursday, Smith helped Australia clinch a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against world champions England at Adelaide Oval with an unbeaten 80 off 78 balls.
In the first game of the three-match ODI series, played here at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, Dawid Malan’s stunning 134 off only 128 deliveries went in vain as all-around Australia produced a stellar performance to win the opening game against England by six wickets.
Aus vs Eng: Hard Work & Patience paid off
Smith said it took him a year to develop his best posture and technique, which has led to him keeping the ball closer to his side and refraining from the dramatic hop over the crease. In his most recent ODI innings, which he said seemed a world away from his previous one against New Zealand in September, he scored a century.
Steven Smith’s Comments after the Aus vs Eng first ODI
Smith speaking to reporters said that “It was probably the best I’ve felt in about six years. I was just in really nice positions and I felt really good. I honestly haven’t felt that way in six years or so. It’s been nice to score some runs in that time and we’re always looking for perfection, and for me yesterday was as close to perfection as I will get.”
Talking about the homework he has been doing over the past 2-3 years. He stated saying “I’ve been working on a few things, it’s almost been a six-month or 12-month process,” Smith said. “At the start of last summer, I tried to get my hands back to where they were in 2015. I feel like I’m staying a bit more side-on now and I’ve got my feet and hands in sync together. It was probably the first time I’ve actually had extended time in the middle with that change.
“It’s hard to base something on one innings but it felt as though things clicked for me as they did at the WACA in 2013. Hopefully, it’s the start of a big summer.”
Next Match?
Australia after winning the first match by six wickets at Adelaide. Now they move on to the next ODI World Cup match in Sydney on 19th November (Saturday) at 8:50 AM IST. As this ODI series has three matches. If Australia wins the second ODI World Cup then they will claim the series 2-0 before the third ODI match. So it’s a big and must-win match for England to say alive in the series.
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