sport news Cricket fans slam 'childish' Steve Smith for showing 'no dignity' in ... trends now
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Aussie batter Steve Smith has been slammed by cricket fans for his response to a huge mix-up that led to a run-out during Australia's Test against Sri Lanka, with his reaction labelled 'childish', 'petulant', 'disrespectful' and showing 'no dignity'.
Smith came in with the score at 2-75 late in the day after Australia restricted Sri Lanka to just 212, but a mix-up with opener Usman Khawaja saw Smith run-out for just six off 11 balls.
It left Australia still rather precariously placed at 3-98 at the end of the day's play, still trailing by 114 runs on a Galle International Stadium pitch that is proving difficult to bat on.
While some put the blame squarely at the feet of Khawaja, other fans debated who was really at fault - though most completely agreed Smith's response was uncalled for, regardless.
Sri Lankan players are delighted to see Steve Smith run-out, leaving Australia at 3-83
In the footage, Smith hits a forward defensive shot towards cover, holds his hand up and calls no, then starts taking off for a single, with both batters attempting the run before Khawaja appears to send Smith back despite almost meeting the middle.
Smith dived back for the crease but was caught short.
'Here's trouble ... Steve Smith is absolutely furious, livid ... confusion all around,' commentators said as they called the game live.
Steve Smith (third from left) is sent back by Usman Khawaja
Smith continued to wildly gesticulate, mutter and shake his head the entire way back into the pavilion, with one Twitter user remarking: 'Fortunately Australia have two team buses. Don't expect the two to be in the same one tonight.'
Many would argue there is never a reason to openly tear strips off a teammate, regardless of who is in the wrong.
Steve Smith leaves the ground after putting in a huge dive to avoid being run-out
Eccentricities and brilliance have been Smith's calling card for a number of years, but he's now 32nd on a list of highest Test averages since the 2019 Ashes series, and he hasn't scored a century in over 18 months.
Fans and pundits seemed to indicate his hyper-focus on individual run-making has led him down a 'petulant' path and said he needs to 'grow up'.
