Australia vs England: Ashes Player of the Day - Steve Smith

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  • Steve Smith's unbeaten 64-run knock dug Australia out of trouble.

    Australian skipper Steve Smith continues to show why he is considered the best Test batsman in world cricket after his flawless unbeaten half-century rescued the hosts from a perilous position against England in the Ashes opener at Brisbane.

    The 28-year-old has been topping the run-scoring charts consistently for the past two years with his unorthodox but highly effective batting technique. On Friday, the right-handed batsman once again delivered when it mattered most after his side was in all sorts of trouble against the English pacers.

    We look at the key talking points from the Australian skipper’s fine 64-run unbeaten knock.

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    Smith’s outstanding consistency

    Ever since making his debut for Australia, Smith has maintained a remarkable consistency with the bat. In each of the 19 bilateral Test series he has played for his country, the New South Wales man has scored a half-century at the minimum.

    Smith’s 22nd fifty in the whites of Australia on Friday ensured that he continued that fabulous run. Even more remarkable is the fact that he started his Australia career as a leg-spinner who could bat a bit.

    Smith and Shaun Marsh partnership digs Australia out of trouble

    After England had been bundled over for 302 runs in their first innings, the hosts got off to the worst start imaginable. The early dismissal of Cameron Bancroft and Usman Khawaja brought Smith to the crease with the score at 30-2. The skipper soon saw David Warner and Peter Handscomb perish as the Aussie were left reeling at 76-4.

    Smith then went about rebuilding the innings along with Shaun Marsh, whose selection for the Ashes has not gone down well with many. Another Australian wicket on the day could have put England well on top but a solid and assured stand from the two meant that the hosts ended the day with all the momentum.

    The two put together an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the fifth wicket and they will be tasked with driving home the advantage at the Gabba come day three.

    Smith and Marsh's 89-run unbeaten stand saved the day for Australia.

    Smith and Marsh’s 89-run unbeaten stand saved the day for Australia.

    Steve Smith and the 20-run mark

    Whenever the Aussie skipper crosses the 20-run mark, the opposition bowlers should start preparing for a long day in the field. The right-hander has a staggering average of 60.37 in his 57th Test for the country but his average after crossing the 20-run mark is approaching Bradmanesque levels.

    Smith averages a whopping 95.66 runs with the bat after crossing the 20-run threshold. All of this does not augur well for the English bowlers on day three which is considered to be the best day to bat on at the Gabba.

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