NZ vs AUS 2nd Test: Steve Smith's Bizarre Dismissal Goes Viral, WATCH

In the ongoing New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, Steve Smith got out in a rather awkward manner, video of which went viral on social media.

In the ongoing New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, Steve Smith's Unusual Dismissal Goes Viral on Social Media. ( Image Source :Screengrab Courtesy: X/@TVNZ )

Steve Smith has been having a hard time in his new role as an opener for Australia in Test cricket. He made his matters worse in the ongoing New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test in Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on March 8 (Friday). Smith faced a setback when he left a delivery from debutant Ben Sears, resulting in it hitting his pads and leading to an LBW decision by umpire Nitin Menon.

Steve Smith's dismissal was remarkably bizarre as he misread the ball, something he seldom does. The delivery, a good-length wobbled-seam ball on the off-stump line at 140.7 Km/h, prompted Smith's customary shuffle outside the off-stump as he attempted to leave the ball.

However, the ball sharply swung back in after pitching, striking Steve Smith on the inner half of the backfoot. The umpire, Nitin Menon, gave him out without any hesitation. Despite being in shock, Smith opted for a review after consulting with his batting partner, Usman Khawaja. Although the impact was outside the off-stump, it was inconsequential as Smith had not offered a shot. The ball-tracking revealed that it would just clip the off-stump, resulting in the on-field call being upheld, and Smith had to reluctantly depart from the crease.

Watch The Bizarre Steve Smith Dismissal Here:

The BLACKCAPS have the wicket of Steve Smith and Ben Sears has his maiden test wicket! 🔥 @BLACKCAPS v Australia: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/B8BSveZvRF

— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) March 8, 2024

Test Debut For Ben Sears

The dismissal marked a significant moment for Ben Sears, as the debutant claimed his first- ever Test wicket and that too, of one of the greatest Test batters of all time. Ben Sears replaced William O'Rourke, who was ruled out of the second Test owing to an injury.

After a 172-run defeat in the 1st NZ vs AUS Test, there were discussions about the potential return of Neil Wagner from retirement for the Blackcaps. However, it wasn’t to be as head coach Gary Stead denied any possibility of Wagner's comeback.

Coming to the ongoing 2nd NZ vs AUS Test on March 8 (Thursday), Australian bowlers made a mockery of the Kiwi batters as New Zealand succumbed having put just 162 runs on the board.