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Steve Smith Reacts to Khawaja's Pitch Review: "Not the Words I'd Use"

Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith had a more measured take on the Perth pitch than his teammate Usman Khawaja did. Smith acknowledged the conditions were tough for batting but stopped short of Khawaja's harsh description. Khawaja's injury opened up a spot at the top of the order, which Travis Head filled with a match-winning century. Smith hinted that Head's success could create a selection dilemma once Khawaja returns to fitness.

Key Points: Steve Smith Disagrees with Khawaja's Perth Pitch Assessment

  • Steve Smith diplomatically disagreed with Usman Khawaja's blunt criticism of the Perth pitch
  • Smith described the first-day conditions as tricky with good pace, bounce, and seam movement
  • Khawaja's absence due to back spasms opened the door for Travis Head to open the batting
  • Smith declined to confirm if Khawaja would automatically regain his opening spot when fit
3 min read

'Not the words I would've used,' Smith reacts to Khawaja's 'piece of...' review of Perth pitch

Stand-in captain Steve Smith offers a diplomatic take after Usman Khawaja's blunt review of the Perth pitch following a dramatic two-day Ashes Test.

"Probably not the words I would have used. - Steve Smith on Khawaja's pitch review"

New Delhi, Dec 3

Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith disagreed with Usman Khawaja’s blunt assessment of the Perth pitch for the first Ashes Test, after the opener labelled it a “piece of s**t”, saying those were “probably not the words he would have used.”

On the opening day of the blockbuster series, 19 batters came and went as both teams' fast bowling attacks targeted weaknesses in the opposition’s batting line-ups, leading to the match concluding late on day two.

Despite receiving the highest possible rating from the ICC, Khawaja, who was unable to take his usual opening position in both innings due to back spasms, described the pitch on the first day as a “piece of s...t”.

“The first day, it was tricky for batting. It had good pace, good bounce, quite a bit of seam movement, two good bowling attacks going at it, so when that happens, sometimes it can be tough to bat. It’s part and parcel of playing in Australia for the last few years, it has those moments where it is really hard to bat, and you’ve got to try and find ways to get through,” Smith was quoted as saying by The West Australian.

“I thought on a couple of occasions, we were close to, in that first innings, getting through. When Marn (Marnus Labuschagne) and myself were batting, if we got through that little period, things would’ve got a little bit easier. I know Alex (Carey) said later that evening it was quite nice for batting when that ball got a little bit older,” he added.

With Khawaja absent, Travis Head, who scored a match-winning century after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Perth Test, is likely to keep his new spot at the top of the batting order.

Just like coach Andrew McDonald right after his team's first series win, Smith declined a chance to confirm that the 38-year-old would regain his spot once he is fit again.

“We’ll look at this game, see how it (Head opening) goes, and then I’m sure that’s a question for the selectors going forward. He’s doing all the right things to try and get himself fit as quickly as possible. We know with Uz, he’s been a quality player over a long period of time. I think anyone who plays over 80 Tests is a good cricketer and he’s done exceptionally well,” Smith stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the internal dynamics. Khawaja speaks his mind, Smith has to manage the team. But honestly, a match finishing in 2 days? The ICC gave it the highest rating? Something doesn't add up. Test cricket needs a better balance between bat and ball.
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Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I find this hilarious. When our pitches turn on Day 1, everyone cries foul. But a green mamba in Perth that ends a Test in two days is just "good, hard cricket"? The double standards are real. At least be consistent.
P
Priya S
Feel for Khawaja, must be frustrating to miss out due to injury and then see your spot potentially taken. Head scored a century! That's the problem with being older in sport, you're always one injury away from being replaced. Tough.
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Aman W
Smith's comment about "getting through the period" is key. That's Test cricket. Our batters like Pujara and Rahane were masters of that. The pitch might be difficult, but the best find a way. Maybe the modern batters are too used to flat tracks?
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think the focus is wrong. We're talking about player comments on a pitch, but the real issue is the ICC's pitch rating system. How does a 2-day pitch get the highest marks? That system needs a serious review, for the health of Test cricket worldwide.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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