Australia maintained a commanding position on the third day of the second Ashes 2023 Test against England at Lord’s in London. The day witnessed Australia’s dominance and England’s struggle as they faltered under pressure.
Starting the day at 278/6, England’s hopes of building a solid total were dashed as the Australian bowling attack tore through their tail. In a dramatic collapse, England lost their final six wickets for a mere 47 runs, eventually being bowled out for 325.
With the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor, they seized control of the Test match and reached 130/2 before rain interrupted play, forcing an early end to proceedings on day three. However, before the weather intervened, England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow attempted to get under the skin of Australian star Steve Smith, but his attempted sledge, picked up by the stump microphone, fell flat as Smith remained unfazed.
Throughout the first innings, England had struggled to dismiss Smith, who showcased his masterful batting skills by smashing a brilliant 110 runs. As Bairstow took his position behind the stumps, he tried to have a go at Smith.
When the New South Wales batter let a wide delivery from James Anderson pass by, the Englishman tried to exploit Smith’s idiosyncratic movements at the crease (where he shuffles a lot), and made a reference to the UK show ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ saying, “I reckon you’re the next on Strictly Australia.”
However, Bairstow seemed unaware that the Australian version of the show is called ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ Unfamiliar with the reference, Smith responded to Bairstow’s chirp by asking, “What’s that?”
Bairstow persistently retorted, “Bit of dancing for you.” Uninterested in engaging further, Smith abruptly replied, “Wouldn’t have thought so.”
As the rain poured down, both teams retreated to the pavilion, leaving Bairstow’s failed sledge as a memorable moment in an otherwise challenging day for England.