Twitter Reactions: Steve Smith’s solid 73 and Nathan Coulter-Nile’s aggressive 92 propels Australia to 288
Steve Smith's 73 was also priceless for Australia as he played out the toughest phase of the innings.
After bouncing out Pakistan at the Trent Bridge last week, Windies faced Australia in the match 10 of the ongoing World Cup at the same venue. Though the surface changed, the Caribbean bowlers’ approach didn’t. After opting to bowl first, they bounced Australian batsmen and left them reeling at 38/4 and then 79/5 at one stage. However, Steve Smith stayed put to slam a brilliant half-century and then was backed up superbly by Nathan Coulter-Nile.
David Warner, the Man of the Match of the previous encounter, couldn’t churn out runs today and even his opening partner Aaron Finch got out early. Usman Khawaja threw his wicket away and the same was the case with Glenn Maxwell as the Men in Yellow looked down and out. At one stage, it felt like, even Australia will get all out for a paltry total.
But Smith had other ideas. He first calmed things down along with Marcus Stoinis and then stitched a vital partnership of 68 runs with Alex Carey. But the innings got a real impetus when Nathan Coulter-Nile walked out to bat at 147/6 in the 31st over.
NCN takes the attack to the Windies
Upon his arrival to the crease, Coulter-Nile had to deal with the bouncers. After surviving those, the right-hander started playing his shots fearlessly. With Smith being solid at the other end, the 31-year-old ripped apart the opposition bowling attack ruthlessly. He played the flick shots to the perfection and most importantly, made good use of the short boundaries at the venue.
Steve Smith got out for a fine 73 in the 45th over but Coulter Nile didn’t deter and continued playing his shots. The straight hits down the ground over long on and long off were an absolute delight to watch for the fans. He was easily on his way for a famous ton batting at number eight. But in quest of quick runs, The Western Australian blew away a chance to get to the three-figure mark.
He got out on 92 off just 60 deliveries smashing eight fours and four massive sixes as Australia got bowled out on 288 runs in the 49th over. They have a realistic chance now to put the Caribbeans under pressure. The Windies will also have to put a strong effort with the bat to add 2 points to their tally.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
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