Cricket - The Greatest Game of all

[InExile]

*Smith finished with 211, leading Australia to an unlikely 8/496. Smith now has 589 runs for the series.

Remarkable performance, infact if he had not been forced out of the third test he might have had the chance to topple Bradman's record of 974 from 1930-31!

[Bigfella]

Remarkable performance, infact if he had not been forced out of the third test he might have had the chance to topple Bradman's record of 974 from 1930-31!

Indeed. He made another 82 in the second innings & was only out because he was clearly under instructions to throw the bat to get quick runs. The only other time he has missed a century this series was when he was almost killed by a thunderous bouncer. He is currently averaging over 130 for the series and only has to make a dozen or so runs in the next test to average 100.

Given 10 innings he would have given Bradman's record a serious shake.

He will have 5 home tests this summer, two against Pakistan & three against New Zealand and then a two test tour of Bangladesh after that. If he is in the same headspace for those tests he could rack up some serious runs. I don't know how long he can maintain this, but I'm glad I got to see it.

It is also important to acknowledge the other members of the team who have contributed to us retaining the Ashes. While the batting lineup has been been poor apart from Smith & Labuscagne, the bowling has been impressive. Cummins & Hazelwood are as good a new ball partnership as there is right now. Siddle, Starc & Pattinson have given fine support. Lyon took 9 wickets in the first test but has struggled since injuring his spinning finger.

Captain Tim Paine deserves a special mention. He became captain under trying circumstances and, with coach Langer, has done a great job with this team. I sincerely hope the temptation to put Smith back in the captain's seat as soon as he is eligible is avoided. Paine is doing a fine job and an unburdened Smith is worth two batsmen right now.