News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 6 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » Man-of-the-match Smith praises Australia's Ashes grit

Man-of-the-match Smith praises Australia's Ashes grit

November 27, 2017 10:03 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

'Nathan Lyon was particularly good. He is going from strength to strength and bowling like a genius.'

IMAGE: Australia's players celebrate the wicket of James Vince during day three. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Australia captain and man-of-the-match Steve Smith praised his team's character after they saw off some stiff England resistance before trouncing the tourists by 10 wickets on day five of the series-opening Ashes Test.

 

Australia sealed a dominant victory before lunch on Monday, having chased 170 runs without the loss of a single wicket in a blow to England's pride.

“We had to show some really good character throughout," Smith said at the post-match presentation.

"Obviously losing the toss, and the wicket was a lot slower than we anticipated it would be. We had to work really hard.

"I thought the bowlers did a terrific job to get them out for 300."

Nathan Lyon

IMAGE: Australia's players celebrate the wicket of James Vince during day three. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Smith singled out spinner Nathan Lyon for his contribution to the win.

"Nathan Lyon was particularly good. He is going from strength to strength and bowling like a genius.

"He did a terrific job holding up one end. The others got the wickets."

Smith almost single-handedly pulled his team out of danger with an unbeaten 141 on day three that ensured Australia could mount a charge towards victory in the second innings.

"Hard work at four for 70," he said. "Had to dig deep and get a big total and put on a few good partnerships. We got ourselves in the lead, bowled well in the second innings, the two boys did a terrific job to get us home."

England captain Joe Root said Smith had proved the difference and lamented his batsmen's failure to put a big score on the board.

"For three days we were excellent. Bar Steve's knock we were right in it," he said at the presentation.

"At 250-odd for four (we were) looking at trying to get 400 plus and put pressure on the scoreboard.

"In that position, having an 80-run lead would have been massive. It's frustrating. We have to move on quickly and make sure we don't make the same mistakes in Adelaide."

The second Test, the first day-night Ashes clash, starts in Adelaide on Saturday.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024