Steve Smith, extraordinarily left out of Australia’s one-day team in Perth this summer, has risen to become the dominant batsman at Test and limited level in the game. The Sutherland right-hander’s century in the ICC World Cup Semi-Final yesterday, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, sent India packing with their bags carrying no silverware and tails between their legs.
Australia knocked out the defending ICC World Cup champions in the 50-overs-a-side clash.
Smith and fellow Sutherland teammmate Shane Watson, and St George fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, are now set for a clash in the final with New Zealand on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Smith made 103 from 95 balls as Australian reached 7-328 from 50 overs and dismissed India for 233 — an emphatic 95-run win victory.
His fifth international century in seven matches against India this summer took his tally to 921 runs at the princely average of 115 in Tests and one-dayers.
St George Cricket Club president Kevin Greene said on behalf of their club they congratulate Hazlewood, Smith and Watson, and Australia, making the World Cup Final.
‘‘We wish Josh well and of course to Steve Smith and Shane Watson from the neighbouring Sutherland club, all the best, in the final,’’ Greene said.
‘‘The main thing is we all want Australia to win.’’
Smith told Fairfax Media after the game he felt comfortable batting.
‘‘I got a few freebies early on, a couple of short ones that weren't quite short enough and I got a few boundaries away — that really got my innings started,’’ Smith said.
It was the Australian vice-captain’s fourth one-day century, and first in a World Cup.
His 105 from 89 balls included 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Sutherland’s Shane Watson (28 from 30 balls) was positive in his innings.
St George fast bowler Josh Hazlewood took 1-41 from his 10 overs. He needed treatment from the physiotherapist, but will be fit to play the Kiwis.
Can Australia win the ICC World Cup Final against New Zealand on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground?
