England started day 2 of the Sydney Test at 211/3 with their talisman Joe Root properly set. England lost Harry Brook and captain Ben Stokes cheaply before Root steadied the ship with a crucial 94-run partnership with the 25-year-old. The visitors were all set to post a mammoth total before Smith played a rash shot and gave away his wicket.
And this didn’t go well Husseinwho criticized the manner and timing of Smith’s dismissal. The 57-year-old wondered how Smith got out, while also talking about the problems he thinks there are on the England side. He further questioned the Ben Stokes-led side’s approach throughout the series and how they have failed to read the game.
“Was this England’s worst dismissal of the series? It was right there. It was a very bad shot, not just because of the execution and because Labuschagne was bowling, but the timing – and that’s the problem with this England side. It was nine minutes until lunch and five overs until the new ball. Just survive and go again. They have a lot of talent but don’t seem to adapt to the situation of the game,” Hussain said via Air sports after day 2.
The Epsom-born player played a decent knock of 46 runs and built a solid partnership with Root before leaving. He was given a lifeline after being caught on 22, thanks to Cameron Green’s no-ball. The Englishman seemed all set for a big blow before he decided to seek extra cover from the Australian part-timer and ultimately switch to Boland.
Meanwhile, Root scored his first ever red-ball century on Australian soil and his second century overall in this series. He completed his 41st ton with a straight drive, equaling Ricky Ponting’s tally of 41 centuries. The Yorkshire batsman is now only behind Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar’s number (51).
England were bowled out for 384 runs in their first innings. Australia also enjoyed their performance with the bat as they scored 166 for 2 before the end of the day’s play. Travis Head remained not out on 91, with Stokes taking both wickets.
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