Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI live updates: Steve Smith takes a stunner

Australian star Steve Smith has left jaws on the floor after producing an other-worldly act that you have to see too believe.

Australia is continuing their dominant run in Sri Lanka after two straight Test wins to kickstart the tour.

On Wednesday the first of two one-day contests got underway and it didn’t take long for the Aussies to take the upper hand.

Watch India vs England T20I & ODI Series LIVE on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka saw the wickets tumble early and often in front of their home crowd.

Spencer Johnson struck first, sending opener Pathum Nissanka on his way with only the fifth delivery of the match.

Australia doubled down when Aaron Hardie removed fellow opener Avishka Fernando after he chased a loose shot outside off stump.

Things didn’t get any better for the locals when Hardie and Johnson struck again in the fifth and sixth overs to leave Sri Lanka in all sorts at 4/31.

Smith made it look easy by claiming the catch of Fernando. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The paltry display from the Sri Lankan outfit left those watching on all fuming over how one-sided the contest was shaping up to be.

After falling to be 5/55 in the 14th over, Sri Lanka began to fight back with Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage going after the Aussie bowlers.

The duo brought up their 50 run partnership after 51 deliveries. But just as the partnership looked to be bringing the locals back into the contest, Steve Smith put an end to it.

Smith hauled in a scintillating catch at first slip diving to his right off the bowling of Matt Short.

Keeper Alex Carey’s reaction said it all as he threw both his hands into the air after the catch.

Watch the absurd moment in the video player above

Cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan wrote on X: “Steve Smith has now started pulling off these blinders at slip for fun. No fuss. No frills. Just another day at the office. This one as good as the blinder last week in Galle.”

One fan wrote: “Like seriously how Smith catching these ? That’s an unbelievable catch.”

A second added: “SMUDGE OH MY GOD.”

Steve Smith takes an absurd catch.

The two ODI contests against Sri Lanka are serving as a warm-up for the Aussie squad ahead of the Champions Trophy which gets underway next week.

Australia entered the match missing a host of star players with Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Josh Hazlewood and Marcus Stoinis all not in the squad.

The squad was also dealt a blow in the days prior to the contest when Mitch Starc returned home and withdrew his name from the Champions Trophy.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Starc’s decision to withdraw was a personal choice that they fully supported.

“We understand and respect Mitch’s decision,” Bailey said.

“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia.

“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”

Originally published as Australia vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI live updates: Steve Smith takes a stunner