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[Watch] Steve Smith Devastated As Tim Southee Castles Him For A Three-Ball Duck

Steve Smith walking off after getting out (X.com)Steve Smith walking off after getting out (X.com)

In a dramatic turn of events, Kiwi skipper Tim Southee induced an early breakthrough for his side by forcing Steve Smith into a miscue. Smith was lured for a cut, but the batter was deceived by the extra swing and bounce off the surface.

After Cameron Green’s sturdy century allowed Australia to post 383 runs on board on day 1 of the Wellington Test, New Zealand witnessed a bizarre collapse on day 2. 

After a disturbing mix-up saw Kane Williamson walk back, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon dismantled the Kiwi line-up to restrict them to just 179.

With a lead of 204 runs, Aussie openers Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja walked out to tighten the grip on the Test match.

However, Kiwi captain Tim Southee had no plans to concede without a fitting fight. In a clinical display of fearless pace bowling, Southee castled Smith with a deceptive delivery in the very first over of the third innings.

Southee picked up how Smith was chasing every ball in an attempt to attack. He used Steve’s urgency to induce a miscue. The Kiwi skipper shortened the length, and the ball swung away wide outside the off-stump line after hitting the deck. Smith moved across to play a cut shot through the covers on the back foot.

But the uneven bounce did the trick. Steve Smith ended up playing a loose shot away from his body, and the inside edge crashed into the stumps to end Smith’s three-ball stay at the crease. 

Australia’s newly minted Test opener was sent back for a duck, and the batter was absolutely livid with himself for literally gifting his wicket for nothing.

Australia is one down early as New Zealand finds a way to crawl back into the game after an initial massive setback.