Former Australia opener David Warner criticised Steve Smith for an unusual review during the first Test against Bangladesh on Saturday. Warner said he had no issue with Smith challenging the umpire’s decision, but questioned why the Australian batter signalled for a review before umpire Kumar Dharmasena had even raised his finger. The incident happened in the 14th over with Australia at 40/2. Ebadot Hossain bowled outside off and Smith attempted a big drive. A sound was heard as the ball passed the bat, prompting Hossain and wicketkeeper Litton Das to appeal.
Warner questions Smith’s quick review As Dharmasena began raising his finger, Smith immediately made the ‘T’ signal for a review. “I just don’t like the way that Steve’s reacted there," Warner said on air. “You can’t do that." When commentator Brendon Julian pointed out that Smith appeared certain he had not been dismissed and had taken an extremely quick review, Warner repeated, “I just don’t think you can do that!" Former Australia spinner Kerry O’Keeffe also described the incident as highly unusual. “That is a unique moment in Test cricket that a batter has gone upstairs before the umpire has made a decision," he said. The review eventually proved Smith’s instinct correct. Replays and ECHO edge technology showed that the sound came from Smith’s bat hitting the ground rather than an edge.
Smith involved in another strange moment It was not the first unusual incident involving Smith, Hossain and Dharmasena in the match. Earlier in Australia’s innings, Hossain believed he had dismissed Smith caught behind, and Smith even started walking back. However, Dharmasena did not give him out. Bangladesh reviewed the decision, but technology showed no edge. Smith later admitted that he believed he had made contact. “I think so, yeah," Smith said. Asked if he had been fortunate to survive, Smith replied, “I was lucky? Yeah, it seems that way. You got to take it sometimes." Smith was eventually dismissed for 44 off 88 balls, edging Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Australia finished the day in trouble, trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs with four wickets remaining.