In a recent turn of events, Steve Smith has expressed that his relationship with Babar Azam is back on track after some tension during a match. Reports surfaced indicating that Azam was unhappy and chose to isolate himself following a controversial play during a game against the Sydney Thunder. This incident occurred during a five-wicket victory for the Sixers.
Conflict on the Field
During the match, Smith knocked back a single that would have allowed Azam to maintain the strike going into the power surge. Azam was not pleased with the decision and reportedly felt “disrespected,” leading to his decision to withdraw from his teammates in the dressing room. This move drew criticism from various cricket analysts.
Player Reactions
- Coach Greg Shipperd made attempts to discuss the incident with Azam.
- Mark Waugh criticized Azam for showing visible frustration by hitting the boundary rope as he left the field.
- Brad Haddin noted that Azam seemed unhappy to play second fiddle to Smith’s performance, especially given Smith’s outstanding power surge, where he scored 32 runs.
Despite the earlier friction, Smith reported that the two players have moved past the incident. “We were chatting before, so yeah, I thought he batted really nice,” Smith stated. He added that he might invite Azam for a round of golf in New York if the opportunity arises.
Performance Highlights
During the match, Steve Smith demonstrated exceptional skill, scoring a record-breaking 32 runs in the power surge after taking the strike for himself. Azam, meanwhile, was dismissed for 47 runs off 39 balls and seemed unresponsive to Smith’s achievements during that time.
Expert Opinions
Former players and commentators shared mixed opinions on the incident. Ricky Ponting acknowledged Azam’s frustration but supported Smith’s tactical decision. Similarly, Adam Gilchrist expressed disappointment over Azam’s actions, emphasizing that players of his caliber should maintain composure, especially in front of younger fans.
In summary, this episode has sparked discussions about player dynamics and decision-making in team sports, as Smith navigates his role and relationship with Azam ahead of the upcoming matches.
