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Steve Smith's Lone Battle Amid Victoria's Dominant Sheffield Shield Win

Steve Smith fought a lone battle for New South Wales with a composed 57 runs. The rest of the NSW batting lineup collapsed dramatically, managing just 71 additional runs between them. Victoria's Sam Elliott was the chief destroyer with an impressive five-wicket haul that bundled out the hosts for 128. This Sheffield Shield match serves as important preparation for several Australian players ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against England.

Key Points: Steve Smith 57 Lone Stand as Victoria Bowl NSW for 128

  • Steve Smith scores 57 off 89 balls as NSW captain and lone half-centurion
  • Sam Elliott claims 5-26 in 8.5 overs to dismantle NSW batting lineup
  • Victoria gain massive 254-run first innings lead after posting 382 runs
  • Match serves as crucial Ashes warm-up for Australian Test stars including Smith and Starc
2 min read

Steve Smith fights lone battle as Sam Elliott's five-fer helps Victoria bundle out NSW for 128

Steve Smith scores fighting 57 but NSW collapse to 128 as Sam Elliott's five-wicket haul gives Victoria massive 254-run first innings lead in Sheffield Shield clash.

"He looked in good touch, but could not get any support from the other end - Match Report"

Sydney, November 11

Steve Smith was the lone warrior for New South Wales on Day 2 of the ongoing match of the Sheffield Shield season 2025-26 between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Steve Smith, who is captaining the side and will also lead Australia against England in the upcoming Ashes series, was the lone half-centurian in the entire NSW batting lineup.

While Smith scored 57 runs off 89 balls, the rest of the NSW lineup could only manage 71 runs as Victoria bowled them out for just 128 runs.

NSW started the day with Victoria on 340/7 and conceded another 42 runs before the latter were bowled out for 382 runs.

Opening the batting for New South Wales were Sam Konstas and Ryan Hicks, both of whom lost their wickets in quick succession. Smith walked in and scored a boundary on the very second ball that he faced. He looked in good touch, but could not get any support from the other end as Victoria's Sam Elliott ran through the hosts' batting lineup, claiming figures of 5-26 in 8.5 overs.

Earlier on Day 1, Mitchell Starc starred with figures of 4-91 as Victoria reached 340/7 against New South Wales. Peter Handscomb led the hosts with a composed 104, while Sam Harper's explosive 54 off 40 balls shifted the momentum after Victoria were reduced to 106/4. Harper and Handscomb added 92 runs together, followed by an 84-run stand between Handscomb and Fergus O'Neill (46). Victoria skipper Will Sutherland (36*) and Sam Elliott (4*) remained unbeaten at stumps while NSW's Nathan Lyon claimed 2-65.

After gaining a substantial lead of 254 runs, Victoria ended Day 2 on 56-2 with Marcus Harris (unbeaten on 17) and Todd Murphy (unbeaten on 3) at the crease.

Notably, the match serves as a warm-up fixture for the Australian national cricket team players like Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes series, slated to take place from November 21.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Sam Elliott's bowling figures of 5-26 are absolutely brilliant! 🏏 This is why domestic cricket is so important - young talents getting their chance to shine against international players. Great performance by Victoria!
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Arjun K
As an Indian cricket fan, watching Steve Smith bat is always a treat! His technique is so unique and effective. But this match shows even the best need support from teammates. Looking forward to the Ashes! 🇮🇳🤝🇦🇺
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Sarah B
The lead of 254 runs is massive! Victoria completely dominated this match. Peter Handscomb's century on Day 1 set the foundation perfectly. This is how you build pressure on the opposition.
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Nikhil C
Honestly, this performance is concerning for Australia ahead of the Ashes. If their domestic teams are collapsing like this against good bowling, England's attack will be licking their lips. Need more consistency from the batting lineup.
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Kavya N
Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon getting wickets is good to see for Australia's Ashes preparation. But the batting collapse is worrying. Hope this serves as a wake-up call for the team management! 🏏

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