Former Australia skipper Steve Smith got the better of India’s Shubman Gill after a sledging battle on the opening day of the fifth Test between the two teams. Shubman Gill attempted to sledge Steve Smith, but it immediately backfired as the Indian top-order batter ended up throwing away his wicket.
India won the toss and chose to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, January 3. The visitors made two changes to their lineup, with Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma, while Prasidh Krishna came in for the injured Akash Deep. Australia picked debutant Beau Webster in place of Mitchell Marsh.
Shubman Gill Throws Wicket Away Just Before Lunch Break on Day 1
Australia had a strong opening session on Day 1 of the match, reducing India to 17/2. KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) fell early against Australia’s pacers in overcast conditions. However, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli began rebuilding the innings but faced relentless pressure from the Australian bowlers.
Just before lunch, Nathan Lyon was brought into the attack. Gill, who was aiming to survive until the lunch break, changed his approach in the final over. He attempted to step down the wicket but edged the delivery to Steve Smith at first slip. Smith celebrated animatedly and exchanged words with Gill.
Watch: This Is Bull****! Oi, Let’s Play – Steve Smith to Shubman Gill
Replays revealed a verbal exchange between Smith and Gill just before the latter’s dismissal. Gill took extra time by tending to the pitch, prompting Smith to say, “Oi, let’s play.” Gill quickly responded but he was dismissed on the next ball.
The conversation between Smith and Gill has gone viral on social media. A user took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the clip.
— smithy (@stevesmith50) January 3, 2025
Have a look at the brief interaction right here:
Marnus Labuschagne: “Easy, got it in easy!” He needs to call for the ‘sprain’
Steve Smith: “This is bull****! Oi, let’s play!”
Shubman Gill: “You take your time Smithy, no one says anything to you!”
Smith: “Just play mate. Let’s play.”
Labuschagne: “Take your time son.”
It Probably Played Into Our Hands – Steve Smith
Speaking with Fox Cricket’s Isa Guha during the lunch break on Day 1, Steve Smith opened up about the exchange with Shubman Gill. Smith stated that Gill’s attempt to take his time might have actually benefited Australia.
“Shubman has trying to take his time there (and) it probably played into our hands. He decided to run at the last one, and I think he was trying to launch him (Lyon),” Smith said.
Shubman Gill missed the first Test due to a thumb injury and was dropped from the XI after the fourth Test. The right-handed batter has struggled with his form in this series. He averages 20, with a top score of 31, from four innings, with one more innings left this summer.
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