Ashes 2023: Australia fire back at England's Jonny Bairstow in retaliation to 'Steve Smith' saga during Headingley Test

Australia cricketers provided an ideal reply for England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow, for his remark on ace batter Steve Smith, during the third Ashes Test at Headingley in Leeds. Despite a poor outing in the first two Tests, England bounced back in the third Test, outplaying Australia by three wickets to stay alive in the five-game series.

Notably, during Australia's second innings, Smith was caught by Ben Duckett as he was facing Moeen Ali's delivery. When the Aussie batter was going back to the dressing room Bairstow got himself involved in taking a verbal shot at the batter.

"See ya, Smudge!" Bairstow said to Smith post his dismissal.

Meanwhile, Smith probably misheard him at first. To which the Australian asked the English wicketkeeper again about what he was saying to him. This time Jonny Bairstow gave a louder send-off reply to the Australian. 

, "What was that, mate?!? HEY!"

"I said, Cheers, see ya later," in response, the Bairstow replied.

Consequently, this left Steve Smith enraged and left the field in disappointment and anger. Meanwhile, in the fourth innings of the game, Australia dismissed Bairstow for just five runs in the final innings and was heard saying, "See ya Jonny."

The in-form Mitchell Starc removed the keeper-batter, which was a crucial wicket for the visitors at the time. Notably, it left England at 171/6, needing 80 runs to win the game.

Jonny Bairstow's spot is under scrutiny after poor glovework and batting in ongoing Ashes 2023

The 33-year-old has only made one fifty in the ongoing Ashes series, which cast doubt on his spot in England's playing XI. Notably, Ben Foakes, who was dropped from the XI on the eve of the series, has become a fan favourite as they want him to be recalled for the next two Tests.

However, Harry Book's brilliant effort helped the hosts move close to the target before Chris Woakes (32*) and Mark Wood (16*) finished things off in style. Brook hit 93 runs off 75 balls, including nine boundaries, before being removed by Starc.

Despite England's win, there are doubts over Bairstow featuring in the last two Tests. The keeper-batter scored 78 in the first innings of the opening Test in Edgbaston but has struggled subsequently. Apart from his dismal outing with the bat, he has also performed poorly behind the stumps, dropping five catches and missing one stumping thus far in the series.