ICC World Cup 2023: [Watch] Ravindra Jadeja Bowls ‘Ball of the Century’ to Dismiss Steve Smith During IND vs AUS Clash

Steve Smith scored 46 runs off 71 deliveries before Ravindra Jadeja sent him back to pavilion

Team India kicked off their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia today, October 8th, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Australia won the toss and went for bowling, but it didn’t go well for them as the Indian bowlers kept them on their toes throughout.

Australia got off to a shaky start as Mitchell Marsh had a tough time, getting dismissed for a 5-ball duck. But then, the Aussies fought back with David Warner and Steve Smith forming a robust 71-run partnership.

Later on, Smith and Marnus Labuschagne kept the scoreboard ticking. However, just when things were looking good, Jadeja disrupted Australia’s game plan.

Steve Smith Bowled
Steve Smith | Source: GettyImages

In the 27th over, Jadeja sent down an absolute gem of a delivery, drifting in towards leg-stump and then ripping across Smith’s forward defence, grazing the top of the off-stump. Smith, who looked in fine form with 46 runs, could only muster a wry smile, recognizing the sheer excellence of that delivery.

Watch Video: Ravindra Jadeja’s ‘Ball of the Century’ Stuns Steve Smith

That was just the start for Ravindra Jadeja, as he proceeded to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey shortly after, crippling Australia’s middle-order batting. Jadeja finished his spell with a magnificent figure of 28/3 in 10 overs, with two of his overs being maiden.