"Just hit the damn thing, stop being a princess": Fan's hilarious reply to Steve Smith as batter halts play over sight screen issue
Darwin, August 13
A fan in attendance during the first Test against Bangladesh delivered a hilarious reply to batter Steve Smith after he halted play momentarily due to sight screen issues at Darwin on Thursday.
During the first day of the Test, the ever-reliable Steve Smith was tasked with taking Australia out of a collapse. However, at one point during his innings, he halted play due to problems with the sight screen, and the fan was having none of it. As the wait continued, the fan in a furious but hilarious tone, asked Smith to start batting again.
"Just hit the damn thing, Smudge (Smith's nickname). Stop being a princess. You are not bigger than the game, Steve, deal with it," said the fan in a video posted by Fox Cricket on their Instagram handle.
Coming to the match, the Bangladesh pace overwhelmed Aussie batters, ending the first session at 74/4, with Hasan Mahmud bowling a sensational two-wicket spell, dislodging both openers Travis Head (22) and Jake Weatherald (23) after they had put Australia to a solid start with a 45-run opening stand.
During the second session, wickets continued to tumble for Australia, but Smith did not budge, smashing his 45th Test fifty. At the time of writing, the batter is still standing unbeaten at the time of Tea. Australia is 183/8, with Smith (67*) and Nathan Lyon (0*) at the crease.
Smith also tied legendary Steve Waugh for most Test fifty-plus scores for Australia, with a total of 82, including 37 centuries and 45 fifties. The highest fifty-plus scores for Australia in Tests are by Ricky Ponting (103 such scores, including 41 centuries and 62 fifties).
Mahmud (4/49) and Taskin Ahmed (2/46) were sensational with the ball for Bangladesh.
Teams: Bangladesh (Playing XI): Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Litton Das(w), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain Australia (Playing XI): Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The fan said what many of us were thinking! When you're a professional athlete, you gotta play through minor distractions. But let's not forget - Smith is literally carrying Australia's innings right now. 67* while others are falling like dominoes. Respect where it's due! 👏
Hasan Mahmud is bowling like a dream! 4/49 against a strong Australian lineup - this is how you make your country proud. Bangladesh cricket has come so far. And Smith... well, he's showing why he's one of the best ever, even with a sight screen issue. Great Test match so far!
The fan's comment was a bit harsh honestly. Sight screen issues can genuinely affect a batsman's focus, especially in Test cricket where every ball matters. But Smith handled it well - didn't argue, just got on with it, and look at him now with 67*. That's professionalism.
This is what makes Test cricket special - the atmosphere, the banter, the drama! Meanwhile, Bangladesh pacers are cooking. Taskin and Mahmud are giving me serious 90s Pakistan vibes. Smith tying Steve Waugh's record is historic though. Both teams should be proud of this contest.
"Just hit the damn thing" - best line I've heard all week! 😂 But on a serious note, Bangladesh's bowling attack deserves massive respect. They've got Australia at 183/8, that too in Australia. Smith is literally fighting a one-man battle out there. What a champion!
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