‘Probably Not The Words I’d Use’: Smith Responds To Khawaja’s Pitch Outburst

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has played down teammate Usman Khawaja’s colourful description of the Perth wicket used for the first Ashes Test, after the opener called the surface a ‘piece of s**t’.

Smith said those were ‘probably not the words he would have used’, though he acknowledged the pitch posed significant challenges on day one.

The Test, which saw 19 wickets tumble on the opening day and finished late on day two, featured relentless fast bowling from both sides.

Despite the ICC awarding the surface its highest rating, Khawaja, restricted by back spasms and unable to open in either innings, did not hold back in his assessment.

Smith Explains the Tough Batting Conditions

Speaking to The West Australian, Smith offered a more measured view.

“The first day, it was tricky for batting. It had good pace, good bounce, quite a bit of seam movement, two good bowling attacks going at it, so when that happens, sometimes it can be tough to bat. It’s part and parcel of playing in Australia for the last few years, it has those moments where it is really hard to bat, and you’ve got to try and find ways to get through,” he explained.

He further added, “I thought on a couple of occasions, we were close to, in that first innings, getting through. When Marn (Marnus Labuschagne) and myself were batting, if we got through that little period, things would’ve got a little bit easier. I know Alex (Carey) said later that evening it was quite nice for batting when that ball got a little bit older.”

With Khawaja sidelined, Travis Head stepped up to open and went on to score a match-winning century in the second innings, strengthening his case to remain at the top of the order.

Smith, however, avoided confirming whether Khawaja would automatically return to his original position once fit.

“We’ll look at this game, see how it (Head opening) goes, and then I’m sure that’s a question for the selectors going forward. He is working hard to regain full fitness as quickly as possible. We know with Uz, he’s been a quality player over a long period of time. I believe anyone who has played more than 80 Tests is a very good cricketer, and he has performed exceptionally well,” Smith asserted.