Steve Smith points out fielding mistake from NZ after hitting a six; asks the Umpire to signal No-Ball

There is only one cricketer from Down Under who embodies the erratic behaviour of the national animal (Kangaroo) of Australia, and his name is Steve Smith.

From his famous NO-RUN calls to the disturbing batting technique, there are several reasons that help Smith hog the media on a regular basis. 

The case was not any different when Cairns hosted the 3rd and final New Zealand vs Australia One Day International.

Put in to bat first, the Aussies had no answers to the new-ball bowling masterclass that Southee and Boult put on. They were reduced to 16 for 2 at the end of six overs, but after that, Steve Smith stole the show due to his breathtaking knock (and another hilarious reason). 

Steve Smith asks the Umpire to signal No-Ball 

The Aussies were 153 for 3 in the 38th over of the game Neesham was bowling. It was on the 2nd delivery of this over when Steve Smith (69* off 102) –who had remained sedate up until then– decided to unfurl. 

The 33-year-old threw his bat for a mighty slog to send the ball soaring into the mid-wicket region for a massive six. 

However, immediately after hitting the ball, the batsman started to hilariously signal for a Free Hit on his own- perhaps asking the umpire to do so. He then signalled to the Umpire that New Zealand had five fielders outside the 30-yard ring before the ball was bowled. 

The game awareness of Steve Smith is just extraordinary.pic.twitter.com/GE4eyIuhtB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 11, 2022

Incredibly aware and attentive to the game, Steve Smith already knew that the fielding mistake from NZ would result in a free-hit and also no dismissal off that ball. That explained the risky shot. 

The antic from the star Kangaroo batsman left the commentators in splits. They could not help but appreciate his incredible presence of mind from Smith. 

Smith could not make use of the free-hit. But regardless, he continued his assault thereon and only got dismissed after scoring 105 runs in 131 deliveries. 

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The visitors eventually won the game by 25 runs and Steve Smith was awarded the Man of The Match award for his fighting hundred on a pitch where others struggled. 

“He’s (Aaron Finch) been huge for the team for 10 years, he’s done a terrific job and we’re all sad to see him leave,” Smith said about Finch, who played his last ODI game yesterday.