David Warner condemns Steve Smith’s instant review in bizarre Bangladesh Test incident
Warner questions Smith’s split-second decision
David Warner has criticised Steve Smith for an unusual use of the review system during Australia’s first Test against Bangladesh, saying the batter should not have signalled for a challenge before the umpire had completed his decision.
The incident occurred in the 14th over, with Australia 40 for two. Ebadot Hossain bowled outside off stump and Smith attempted a forceful drive. A sound as the ball passed the bat prompted an appeal from Hossain and wicketkeeper Litton Das.
As umpire Kumar Dharmasena began raising his finger, Smith immediately made the television-review signal. Warner said he had no objection to Smith challenging the decision itself, but questioned the timing of the gesture.
“I just don’t like the way that Steve’s reacted there. You can’t do that,” Warner said on air.
When commentator Brendon Julian suggested Smith had been certain he was not out, Warner repeated: “I just don’t think you can do that!” Former Australia spinner Kerry O’Keeffe described it as “a unique moment in Test cricket” because the batter had gone upstairs before the umpire had formally made a decision.
Technology vindicates Smith’s instinct
The review ultimately showed that Smith’s instinct had been correct. Replays and ECHO edge technology indicated that the sound came from Smith’s bat hitting the ground rather than from an edge.
It was the second strange moment involving Smith, Hossain and Dharmasena during the innings. Earlier, Hossain believed he had caught Smith behind, and Smith began walking away despite Dharmasena not giving him out. Bangladesh reviewed the decision, but technology found no contact with the bat.
Smith later acknowledged that he thought he had made contact and admitted he had been fortunate to survive. “I was lucky? Yeah, it seems that way. You got to take it sometimes,” he said.
Smith was eventually dismissed for 44 from 88 balls, edging Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Australia ended the day under pressure, trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs with four wickets in hand.