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Steve Smith: 50-60 More Runs Could Have Changed Ashes Test Result

Stand-in captain Steve Smith believes an additional 50-60 runs across Australia's two innings might have changed the outcome of the fourth Ashes Test, which England won by four wickets. He credited England's aggressive bowling and batting, particularly in softening the ball and negating the pitch's early assistance. Smith was critical of the Melbourne pitch, suggesting it offered bowlers too much help and prevented batters from settling in, as evidenced by 36 wickets falling in just two days. Despite the loss, Australia maintains an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.

Key Points: Smith: Extra 50-60 Runs Could Have Altered Ashes Test

  • England's first win in Australia since 2011
  • Pitch deemed too bowler-friendly
  • Australia retains 3-1 series lead
  • 36 wickets fell in two days
2 min read

Ashes: 50 or 60 more runs across both innings could have changed the result, says Smith

Steve Smith reflects on Australia's 4th Test loss, suggesting a small run boost could have changed the result on a bowler-friendly MCG pitch.

"Had we got 50 or 60 more across both innings then we might have been there at the end. - Steve Smith"

Melbourne, Dec 27

Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith admitted that an extra 50 or 60 runs across both innings might have altered the outcome of the fourth Ashes Test, which England won by four wickets to seal their first victory in the country since 2011.

England chased down 175 to beat Australia by four wickets inside two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The tourists bundled out the hosts for 132, with Brydon Carse taking 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes picking up 3-24, before completing the chase in 32.2 overs.

Despite the win for England, Australia hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. "Tricky one. Obviously a very quick game! Had we got 50 or 60 more across both innings then we might have been there at the end but credit to England, they came out today, bowled really well this morning and didn't let us get away.

"Then the way they started with the bat, they were very aggressive, got a few away and probably softened our ball a bit - it didn't offer as much from that point," said Smith at the conclusion of the game.

He also suggested the pitch had been overly helpful to bowlers, making it difficult for batters to establish themselves at the crease. "It did a fair amount for the whole game. Just probably when the ball just softened after a few lusty blows from their top order, it went a little bit less, but without that, it was still going to offer plenty.

"I think (it was in favour of the bowlers) a little bit too much. It was tricky, no-one could really get in. When you see 36 wickets across two days, that's probably too much. Maybe taking a bit of grass off or easing the preparation slightly would've helped. But that's how it was, and we just had to adapt," concluded Smith.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A two-day Test match? 36 wickets? That's not cricket, that's a lottery. Smith has a point about the pitch. As an Indian fan, I'm glad we don't get such extreme pitches at home. A good contest between bat and ball is what we want.
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David E
England finally showing some fight! Stokes's leadership was key. Smith's analysis is fair, but the series was already over. Looking forward to seeing if England can build on this for the next Ashes.
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Ananya R
Haha, "if we had scored more runs, we would have won." That's some next-level analysis, Steve! 😂 On a serious note, it's good for cricket that England won. A 5-0 whitewash is boring for neutral fans like me.
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Vikram M
The pitch talk is interesting. In India, we get criticized for turning tracks, but here's a seaming track that ends a match in two days. Where's the outrage from the English and Australian media now? Double standards, yaar.
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Sarah B
Respectful criticism: While Smith is technically correct, focusing on the "50-60 runs" misses the larger point of England's aggressive and superior play in this Test. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opponent.

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