Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith has openly praised the England cricket team following their convincing victory over Australia in the second T20 International at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite being on the losing side, Smith acknowledged that the visitors outplayed the hosts with a superior all-round performance.
England's Clinical Performance Earns Respect
Smith, who top-scored for Australia with a fighting 61 runs off 34 balls, conceded that England were the better team on the night. England secured a commanding 8-wicket win on October 12, 2022, chasing down Australia's total of 178 with 26 balls to spare. Smith highlighted that England's bowlers executed their plans effectively, making it difficult for the Australian batters to build momentum during the middle overs of their innings.
"I thought they played really well," Smith stated in the post-match press conference. He specifically pointed out the disciplined bowling from the English attack, which restricted Australia's scoring opportunities after a promising start. The Australian innings, despite Smith's half-century and a quickfire 30 from Glenn Maxwell, lost its way, failing to post a truly competitive total on a good batting surface.
Stokes's Leadership and Batting Prowess Highlighted
Smith was particularly complimentary of England's captain, Ben Stokes, who led from the front with a match-winning, unbeaten 42. He credited Stokes's side for their clear strategy and aggressive intent. "They had clear plans and stuck to them," Smith remarked, acknowledging the pressure England applied throughout the game.
The English chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales provided a blistering start, effectively sealing the game within the powerplay. Buttler smashed 65 off 41 balls, while Hales contributed a rapid 42. Their partnership laid a foundation so solid that Stokes and Dawid Malan only had to guide the team home comfortably, which they did without any major hiccups.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for Australia
This defeat has given the Australian team plenty to ponder as they build towards the ICC T20 World Cup on home soil. Smith admitted that the team needs to improve its performance in the middle overs, both with bat and ball. The loss at the MCG levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider in Canberra.
While disappointed with the result, Smith's gracious acknowledgment of the opposition's skill underscores the high level of sportsmanship in the modern game. His comments reflect a professional assessment of the match, where England's well-rounded performance deserved full credit. The focus now shifts to the final T20, where Australia will aim to rectify their errors and clinch the series against a confident English unit.
