Mark Taylor criticises Steve Smith on employing negative tactics in the Gabba Test

Former Aussie captain Mark Taylor was very disappointed with the tactics employed by current Australian captain Steve Smith during the Gabba Test against Pakistan and accused him of “hedging his bets” during the nail-biting thriller. Australia prevailed by 39 runs in the opening day-night Test of the three-match series but not before Pakistan put up a spirited effort and threatened to chase down a record 490 in the fourth innings.

Smith was accused of not employing an attacking field with only one slip as Pakistan came within striking distance of chasing down a record total. Had Pakistan chased down the total, Smith’s tactics would have come under severe scrutiny. It still has but at least the victory has diminished the effect to a certain extent.

Taylor questioned as to why pressure was not employed on the visitors straight away when they came out to bat on the 5th day morning still needing 108 to win with just two wickets in hand. “I just can’t work out this field at the moment. The last ball of the over to Yasir Shah and you are giving him one. You’ve got to try and get him out. Steve Smith is hedging his bets here a little bit,” Taylor was quoted by newss.com.au.

Courtesy a brilliant century from Asad Shafiq and terrific contributions from the lower order including Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, and Yasir Shah, Pakistan delayed Australia’s victory and made the improbable victory target look realistic. However, left-arm spearhead Mitchell Starc had other ideas as he came roaring back and bounced out Shafiq with a terrific delivery.

It ended a magnificent innings and a crucial 71-run stand with Yasir Shah. Soon after Shafiq’s dismissal, an accurate throw from Smith ran out Yasir Shah which brought down the curtains on a monumental effort by Pakistan.

Another former Aussie captain Michael Clarke echoed the same views and stated that Smith did miss out on a major trick by not attacking Asad Shafiq from the outset. “I like Mark Taylor am confused as to the field. Shafiq is on 100 but it’s a new day. You have to start your innings again. The fact there is only one slip, so many men on the boundary, Steven Smith is very concerned about the runs,” Clarke said while commentating on Channel Nine.

After the match Smith said that the victory was very close to comfort, especially after setting Pakistan an unrealistic 490 to chase in their 2nd essay. “I’ve lost all my fingernails, I think,” Smith said. “It was a bit too close for my liking. Some game of cricket wasn’t it?”