Steve Smith’s struggles in red-ball cricket continued as he was dismissed for a duck in the second innings of a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria on October 22. In the first innings, the 35-year-old managed only three runs.
Smith’s century drought in first-class cricket now extends back to June 2023, with just one fifty-plus score in 2024.
Despite being set to return to his usual number four position in Australia’s batting order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth, he played at number three for New South Wales in this match, only to face another disappointing performance.
In the first innings, Smith struggled with just three runs off 29 balls before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Sam Harper off pacer Fergus O’Neill. His luck didn’t improve in the second innings, as he was trapped leg-before for a four-ball duck by Scott Boland.
This poor start to Smith’s preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is undoubtedly disheartening for both the Australian team and cricket fans, especially those who appreciate his unique batting style.
Smith will revert to the number four spot in the upcoming BGT 2024/25 series against India, after a less than stellar stint as a Test opener. Fans can look forward to seeing one of the modern era’s finest batters back in his most successful position.
A duck for Smith!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 22, 2024
Watch live #SheffieldShield: https://t.co/Qg3oHp6yAq pic.twitter.com/LLrskS4DND
At number four, where he has spent much of his career, Smith has amassed 5,966 runs in 111 innings across 67 Tests, boasting an impressive average of 61.50, with 19 centuries and 26 fifties. Expect some fireworks!