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Steve Smith hails SCG pitch as best in 15 years after Ashes triumph

Australian captain Steve Smith praised the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch as the best he has encountered in 15 years following Australia's win in the fifth Ashes Test. Smith highlighted that the pitch offered something for both batters and bowlers throughout the match. He also credited Australia's exceptional fielding as a major factor in their 4-1 series victory over England. The series saw standout performances from players like Mitchell Starc and Travis Head, who were recognized as Player of the Series and Player of the Match, respectively.

Key Points: Steve Smith praises SCG pitch after Australia's Ashes win

  • Smith lauds SCG pitch quality
  • Credits Australia's superior fielding
  • Ends series with crucial century
  • Australia wins Ashes 4-1
2 min read

"One of the best I've seen in my 15 years playing here": Steve Smith lauds SCG pitch

Steve Smith calls the Sydney pitch one of the best he's seen, highlighting Australia's fielding as key to their 4-1 Ashes series victory.

"I think it's one of the best I've seen in my 15 years playing here. - Steve Smith"

Sydney, January 8

Australian skipper Steve Smith lauded the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch as 'the best seen in 15 years playing here' after Australia secured a comfortable win over England in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England in Sydney on Thursday.

Smith believed the pitch offered a bit for everyone. With this win, the Baggy Green wrapped up the Ashes 4-1 against the Ben Stokes-led England.

Smith also ended his lean patch in the series with a brilliant century in the Sydney Test's second innings. His knock was a crucial factor in Australia's strong finish, helping them post a massive total.

"In terms of the wicket, I think it's one of the best I've seen in my 15 years playing here. I think it offered a bit for everyone. The new ball worked a bit. If you batted well and applied yourself, you could score runs. Then the rough came into play at the backend, and there were some cracks there as well," Smith told the reporters.

Smith also felt that Australia's fielding was incredible in the series and that it was a huge difference in the end result.

"I think our fielding was incredible as well. As an Australian team, you pride yourself on your fielding. It's a huge attitude thing. I thought the way we caught throughout the summer was better than England's. That was a huge difference in the end result as well," Smith added.

Smith finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the Ashes series. The ace batter made 286 runs in four matches and eight innings at a superb average of 57.20. The right-handed batter notched up one fifty and as many centuries.

Mitchell Starc, the highest-wicket taker of the series, was named Player of the Series, whereas opener Travis Head was adjudged Player of the Match for his sublime 163-run knock in the first innings.

The hosts clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Smith's century was class, but let's not forget how poor England were. Their batting lineup looked clueless for most of the series. As an Indian fan, I'm already excited for our tour there later this year. Our batters will face a sterner test on these pitches!
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Rohit P
Smith praising the pitch after scoring a century on it... feels a bit convenient, no? 😄 Jokes aside, he's right about fielding. That's where we lost the last WTC final. Catches win matches, always.
A
Ananya R
The Ashes is such a legendary rivalry. 4-1 is a thorough beating. It shows the gulf between the sides. England need to go back to the drawing board. Meanwhile, our Indian team must be taking notes for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy!
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David E
Watching from the UK, it was a painful series. But credit to Australia and Smith. That pitch did look excellent – offered something for everyone over five days. That's what Test cricket is all about. England were just outplayed in every department.
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Siddharth J
Respectful criticism: While Smith's praise is valid, it's easy to call a pitch "the best" when your team dominates. I'd be more interested in what the losing captain, Ben Stokes, thought about the wicket. A balanced perspective is always better.
K

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