Shane Warne questions Steve Smith’s decision to not enforce follow on

TEST legend Shane Warne has questioned skipper Steve Smith’s tactics as England fought their way back into the second Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval on Monday night.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 04: Steve Smith of Australia looks dejected after being dismissed by Chris Woakes of England during day three of the Second Test match during the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 4, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

TEST legend Shane Warne has questioned skipper Steve Smith’s decision to not enforce the follow on as brazen Australia let England back into the Ashes under lights on the third night in Adelaide.

Australia chewed up England in a paltry first innings 227 in 76 overs but didn’t enforce the follow on despite leading by 215 and having the advantage of finishing off the hapless tourists under lights.

Steve Smith was dismissed by Chris Woakes in tricky conditions.

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Australia keeper Wally Grout was famous for saying “never give a sucker an even break” but Smith gave his bowlers a rest, perhaps with an eye to a gruelling five-match schedule in six weeks.

Australia lost Cameron Bancroft (4), Usman Khawaja (20), David Warner (14) and Smith (6) to finish 4-53 at stumps with a lead of 268.

Jimmy Anderson (2-16) and Chris Woakes (2-13) sprang to life in the cool, swing friendly conditions that they thrive on back across the Old Dart. Stuart Broad also applied the pace and pressure England has missed for the first instalments of this series.

Having had England’s measure taking 4-60 earlier in the day, Nathan Lyon (3) was sent in as nightwatchman to survive until stumps with Peter Handscomb (3).

“England’s chests are out and why wouldn’t they be with Australia 4-53. It’s hard not to talk about the follow on with the ball swinging around under lights,” said Warne.

“I think it was the perfect opportunity to enforce the follow on with England batting under lights with the pink ball. I thought Australia missed an opportunity but having said that you would rather be in their (Australia’s) dressing room.

Steve Smith endured a torrid time on Monday night.

“Say Australia had England 3-50 — they still would’ve been 150 ahead.

“What a last session we have had, seat of your pants stuff.”

In the blink of an hour Australia went from total control to Lyon pretending he was injured to ensure there wouldn’t be another over bowled before stumps.

“It’s never nice being hit by a cricket ball, I am happy to bowl a few at you lot (press) if you like. He did well to close out the day, and we will try and build on that tomorrow,” said Starc, defending Lyon’s gamesmanship.

England looked like it had gone within a millimetre of thundering back into the game and the Ashes after Smith survived a nail-biting DRS review.

However Warne said the worm was turning for the tourists.

“Maybe their luck in changing,” said Warne.

Originally published as Shane Warne questions Steve Smith’s decision to not enforce follow on