Steven Smith’s expensive mistake against India in the Champions Trophy 2025 has cricket enthusiasts talking. Scoring 73 in the 37th over, the contemporary legend lunged at a knee-high full toss from Mohammed Shami, missed it, and observed his off stump topple—a moment he described as “not ideal.” That wicket prompted a downfall, as Australia struggled to reach 264, scoring only 66 runs in their last 75 balls. Alex Carey’s 61 from 57 balls and Nathan Ellis’ late surge couldn’t save the innings.
Smith lamented the lost opportunity to score 300 on a pitch favorable to batters. “I intended to challenge the seam bowlers and rotate the strike against spin, but I failed to execute,” he said to ESPNcricinfo. “Exiting at a critical moment was painful.” “If I had remained, with Alex playing so effectively, we might have reached 300.” He attributed the issue to brief partnerships and an exhausted pitch, which hasn’t witnessed a score exceeding 300 in the tournament.
Fielding issues worsened Australia’s difficulties. Difficult drops of Rohit Sharma (twice) and Virat Kohli at 51 were detrimental. “While defending 264, those opportunities are essential,” Smith stated. “Dropping a catch is not intentional—it’s cricket.”
India is now pursuing 265, with their batting stars poised to strike. Smith’s mistake with the full toss, gaining traction as #SmithBlunder, could determine the outcome of the match. With #AUSvIND taking over the internet, Australia is left reflecting on what might have been. Will this remorse hinder their campaign?
Edited By Shvetank Maurya
Also Read: https://theglobalic.com/2025/03/04/revenge-done-virat-kohli-blasts-in-champions-trophy/
