AUS vs SA: Steve Smith sledges himself after nasty blow in Gabba Test - WATCH

South Africa endured a massive six wickets defeat at the hands of hosts Australia in the first of the three Test played at the Gabba. The contest between the heavyweights wrapped up in just two days with a dominating performance coming from Australia in their fine run of victories.

During the contest, in Australia’s response to the visitor’s score of 152 in the first innings, flamboyant batter Steve Smith was among the batter who played a crucial role, smacking 36 runs off 68 balls. However, during the 18^th over of the match, Smith was caught off-guard when Proteas paceman Anrich Nortje hit a short pitch delivery that did not particularly bounce as it should have.

“Yeah, have some of that Smudge!” Smith was heard on the stump mic as saying.

What followed was the batter enduring a nasty blow and Smith then hilariously sledging himself. He was eventually dismissed for 36 runs just prior to stumps bowled by Nortje to leave Australia 4-144.

Australia earn commanding victory at the Gabba

The Aussies relished a majestic outing as they packed the visitors for 99 in their second innings, thereby leaving the former with a 34-run target. Despite facing a few early hiccups in their final innings, the Aussies eventually chased down and are now leading the series 1-0.

The win has handed the side a massive boost to cement a spot in the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Furthermore, the Proteas, who are also in contention for the summit clash of the global ICC event, faces major threats from team India.

Team India registered a win in their first of the two-match red-ball contest against hosts Bangladesh in Chattogram. It remains to be seen what transpires and which teams will officially the two vacant spots of the ICC WTC 2023 finals. Australia will look to clinch the series when they meet South Africa in the second Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).