'Good, just keep going' - Steve Smith reveals his funny reaction to David Warner's struggles
David Warner and Steve Smith shared a 239-run partnership for the third wicket on the second day
David Warner was the star of the show on the second day of the Melbourne Test as he punished the South African bowlers. The opening batter broke multiple records in what was his 100th Test match and went on to hit a double century. He retired hurt on the second day, but his heroics led to Australia ending the second day at 386/3.
In 68.4 overs of their first innings, the visitors managed to score 189 runs. Warner was distraught and worn out during Australia’s first innings as he left the game due to discomfort after becoming the first Australian to score a double century in his 100th Test. The Australians, meanwhile, finished the day with a 197-run advantage.
Steve Smith formed a brilliant partnership with Warner as the two added 239 runs for the third wicket. Smith revealed a fun yet unusual conversation that he had with Warner during their partnership, where Warner had been dominating.
“The more he started to cramp the more shots he started to play and everything seemed to be coming out of the middle. It was an amazing knock and nice to be up the other end for a large chunk of it. I was doing my thing and he was doing his. It was just like, 'Keep batting'. He was like, 'I’m cramping.' I was like, 'Good. Just keep going',” Smith was quoted saying by Hindustan Times.
Warner can play for as long as he likes: Smith
With nine fours and a six, Smith scored 85 runs off 161 balls. Warner, in contrast, ended his innings after retiring hurt on 200*(254), comprising 16 fours and 2 sixes, on the second day, and was dismissed on the very first ball he faced on the third day. Before the knock, Warner was criticized for his form, and many experts even suggested that the opening batter should consider retiring from the format. Speaking of Warner’s future in the game, Smith commented:
“I don't see why not. He's fit and I don't see any reason why he can't continue playing. He was certainly seeing the ball pretty well today, so fingers crossed he can keep playing well and he can play for as long as he likes.”
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