David Warner’s playful banter with Steve Smith took a turn during the BBL, as Warner humorously advised Smith to mark his batting spot properly, especially since he was opening.
During a Big Bash League game between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, a comical exchange unfolded between David Warner and Steve Smith. As Smith prepared to open for the Sixers, Warner, speaking to broadcasters, engaged in light-hearted banter, advising Smith on marking his batting spot correctly.
“Nothing’s distracting him. Nothing ever distracts him. But I say, actually, he’s got He’s got a mark on his foot there. So he might. He might be fidgety about that. No, that’s not center. A little bit to the right, mate. If you open the batting, mate, you gotta mark it properly. One go only. No, he’s He’s locked in. He’s locked in,” Warner said.
The fun remark was made in light of the forthcoming Test series against West Indies, where Australia announced that Smith will be stepping into the opening position,
This banter took a humorous turn as, moments later, Smith faced the first ball of the innings, pulled it, got caught by fine-leg McAndrew, and departed for a golden duck.
Cheeky bit of banter from Warner and Smith's GONE first ball! 😱 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/VLiojjpeyN
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 12, 2024
Despite Smith’s golden duck, the Sydney Sixers secured a 19-run victory over David Warner’s Sydney Thunder. While Smith has successfully opened in the BBL and for Australia in limited-overs cricket, the debate over his opening in Test matches has gained traction.
Smith, expressing his willingness to open in tests for Australia, had earlier sparked discussions among selectors. Chairman George Bailey, acknowledged the team’s mixed opinions on the matter, stating, “Steve’s obviously motivated and energized and keen to do it. There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren’t keen to do it.
“So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it and it was something that we’d been chatting about in the background as a selection panel with the coaches as well,” Bailey added.
READ MORE | Steve Smith’s Transition: Fans Weigh In on Test Opening Position
Last Updated on January 12, 2024
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