Steve Smith has addressed recent speculation surrounding his relationship with Sydney Sixers teammate Babar Azam. This follows allegations that Azam felt disrespected during their Big Bash League (BBL) match against Sydney Thunder last week.
Clarification on Allegations
During a broadcast prior to the Sixers’ game against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, Smith was questioned about his relationship with Azam. Isa Guha, the host, directly inquired whether the two had reconciled. Smith dismissed any notions of conflict, emphasizing that their conversation had been friendly.
What Happened During the Match?
The controversy emerged in the 11th over of their match at Moore Park. At that moment, Babar Azam sought to take a single, which Smith declined. This decision was made to maximize their control during a crucial Power Surge period. Azam visibly showed his disappointment at the time.
Despite the initial tension, Smith subsequently showcased his batting skills, hitting four consecutive sixes in the following over and amassing 32 runs. This shift in momentum was significant, with Smith achieving an impressive century off just 41 balls, while Azam scored 47 runs off 39 balls.
Post-Match Reactions
Reports indicated that Babar Azam did not participate in post-match activities, opting to stay in the dressing room. Some sources referred to his reaction as an “epic dummy spit” or a “stunning tantrum.” It was also suggested that the Sixers’ head coach, Greg Shipperd, intervened to ease tensions.
Smith’s Tactical Approach
In response to the situation, Smith provided clarity about his decision-making during the match. He explained that he had discussed the tactics with Babar prior to the Power Surge, opting for a strategy that ultimately proved successful. Smith stated, “I said, ‘Nah, give it one over. I want to hit to the short boundary.’” The final outcome vindicated his approach.
Conclusion
In the end, the on-field performance overshadowed any alleged discord between Smith and Azam. Their subsequent interactions appeared amicable, as they engaged in conversations about golf before the game. The clarity from Smith suggests that the incident might have been overstated, allowing both players to focus on their game.
