Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has expressed disappointment over Steve Smith’s outburst at Usman Khawaja, suggesting his downfall could be behind the reaction.
Taylor is the second legend in the test to question Smith’s aggressive response, with Ian Chappell also criticizing the former boss’s actions earlier in the week.
While Smith seemed to blame Khawaja’s feet for the exit, Taylor suggested they were both to blame.
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“I think it was the only disappointing thing for me in what was a very good performance by the Australians,” he told Nine’s Sports Sunday.
Smith was left alive in Khawaja after being out of six in the first round against Sri Lanka (Getty)
“It’s a real confusion and I think they’re both responsible. I’ve seen this several times. Smith first said no, then yes, Khawaja went a little bit and then he stopped.
“Obviously, when you run out, you’re disappointed and you’ll see a reaction and expect that from anyone at any time, but I think Steve was too long on it.
“Show your disappointment and then come down. I was always told as a young cricketer that you can only do one thing when you go out, and that’s go down, because the longer you live there, people like us start writing stories and let them know what may or may not have happened.
“Just get off the ground, especially when you’re the vice captain and the former captain next door, you have to be better than that. You just have to get down and say, ‘Okay, I’m disappointed, but now I’m out,’ and let that Khawaja is in charge and makes the score. “
Sri Lankan players celebrate Steve Smith’s dismissal. (Getty)
Scoring a figure against Sri Lanka continued what has been a lean race for Smith by his high standards in recent times.
After returning with three centuries and three and a half centuries to his first series of tests after the sandpaper scandal, Smith has achieved only a century and has only averaged 38.62 in the 18 tests that have followed. .
“I think he’s very focused on racing and in the last two years after a brilliant comeback after the sandpaper issues … since then he’s actually struggled a bit, he’s only averaged 40,” he said. he said.
“Now 40 is still very good, but it’s not Steve Smith’s style, it’s not 60 as we’re used to seeing.”
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