2nd Test: Hayden Critiques Smith's Dismissal as One of the Most Unfortunate

Adelaide, Dec 7 (NationPress) Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has commented on the difficulties faced by star batsman Steve Smith, who is enduring a challenging spell in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 of the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, Smith was dismissed for the third time in the series, falling victim to India’s leading pacer Jasprit Bumrah once more. This time, Smith was caught down the leg side, a dismissal that Hayden described as among the worst possible ways to get out.

Smith’s dismissal by Bumrah marks the third time in succession that the Indian pacer has outsmarted him in this series. The Australian batting star has accumulated only 10 runs across four innings, averaging a mere 3.33 against Bumrah. His overall performance this year has been disappointing: 232 runs in 13 innings at an average of 23.20, with only one half-century to his name.

Hayden, speaking on Star Sports, analyzed the dismissal, emphasizing Smith’s current weaknesses. “I mean, as you know, there's probably only one way to get out that's worse and that's run out off the bowler's hand and getting strangled down the leg side. But the fact is that Steve Smith is going to have his stumps attacked repeatedly until he demonstrates that he is back in the form we have seen throughout his career. He was always so effective off his legs,” Hayden stated on Star Sports.

The former opener explored the psychological factors behind Smith’s recent struggles, noting the visible uncertainty in his technique. “For years, we believed his greatest vulnerability was the front pad—getting trapped lbw. However, being dismissed down the leg side indicates that there’s some doubt creeping into his game. When doubt arises, it provides opportunities for the opposition,” Hayden elaborated.

Smith's dismissal put Australia in a challenging situation before Travis Head’s impressive century helped to stabilize the innings.

Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a key player for India, claiming four vital wickets, including Smith’s, which disrupted Australia’s top order. Mohammad Siraj also contributed significantly by taking the crucial wicket of Travis Head, who redeemed himself with a brilliant counterattacking century following a disappointing first innings. Australia extended their lead to over 140 by stumps on Day 2, with their middle and lower order providing essential runs.

We weren't anticipating that he would get caught down the leg side from that type of delivery. However, he has such a keen eye that currently, some doubt is infiltrating his play, and when doubt exists, there are always opportunities for the opposing side,” he added.