Ashes 2019: Steve Smith hilariously imitates Ishant Sharma at the Edgbaston

Steve Smith has had a fairy-tale run in the first Test of the 2019 Ashes at the Edgbaston in Birmingham. On Day one, he pulled off a masterful knock of 144 that took Australia to a respectable score of 284. During his masterclass, he also got apt support from Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle. Even in the second innings, Smith was needed to bail his team out of the precarious position.

England managed to get a first-innings lead of 90 and Smith came in after the openers — David Warner and Cameron Bancroft — were dismissed cheaply for the second time in the high-voltage clash. However, Smith took the challenges head-on and yet another time rescued the Aussies. He was unbeaten on 46 by the close of play on Day three and then notched his 25th Test ton on Day four.

The Sydney-born went on to score 142 runs off 207 balls with 14 boundaries. On the backs of his sheer brilliance with the bat in hand, the visiting team managed to score 487 in the second innings. Most importantly, Tim Paine and Co set the Three Lions a mammoth task of chasing down 398 in the fourth innings. From here on, an Aussie win or a draw seems to be the two most likely results.

Steve Smith rolls the clock back

Even if Australia don’t win, Smith remains to be a strong contender for the Player of the Match award. He is a funny character and comes up with gestures time and again. One such moment took place in the second innings when he was seen shaking his head in a vigorous manner in order to get his focus back. It was as if someone poured cold water on him when he was in deep sleep.

However, the mannerism somewhat reminded of Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma. During the 2017 Test series when Australia toured India, Sharma pulled off a hilarious reaction. Smith played and missed as he tried to shuffle across to a ball that kept low. Thereafter, Ishant made a funny face. The expressions took Smith by surprise and the moments are etched in the minds of the Indian fans.

Here is the video of both Smith and Ishant