‘Very clever’: Steve Smith brings up 12th ODI century after umpiring cameo

Steve Smith brought up a classy ODI century on Sunday, but not before he generously offered up some assistance to the umpires.

Steve Smith of Australia. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Steve Smith brought up a 12th ODI century during Australia’s 25-run victory over New Zealand at Cazalys Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but not before generously offering some assistance to the umpires.

The 33-year-old scored a gritty 105 (131) in Cairns, guiding Australia to a commendable team total of 5/267 in the third and final ODI against their trans-Tasman rivals.

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But early in the 38th over, Smith noticed five New Zealand fielders lingering outside the 30-yard circle, which is not permitted until the final 10 overs.

And the former Australian captain took matters into his hands, slapping Jimmy Neesham’s next delivery over the square leg boundary for a monstrous six before frantically gesturing at the umpires.

Australia was awarded an extra run for a no-ball after replays confirmed New Zealand’s blunder, and to make matters worse for the Black Caps, Neesham’s next delivery would have to be a free hit.

“Steve Smith’s awareness is second to none, isn’t it?” former Australian spinner Kerry O‘Keeffe laughed on Fox Cricket.

“He knew the body count in the outfield. How good?

“Does he get an umpire’s fee as well as a player’s fee?

“Well you need confirmation from the third umpire; Steve Smith.”

He loves umpiring https://t.co/QzNaVYvcTq

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) September 11, 2022

that’s brilliant from Steve Smith. Knew there was too many outside the circle, smacked it over the fence anyway and was very quick to ask for his free hit. Very clever. #AUSvNZ

— Brett Sprigg (@BrettSprigg) September 11, 2022

Steve Smith launches a six and signals it should be a free hit in one movement #AUSvNZ

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) September 11, 2022

Player of the Match Smith explained the reporters in the post-match press conference: “I looked around and I saw third man was back; I think he was supposed to be up.

“I was like, ‘This is Christmas’. It’s a free hit, and I get a free hit after that.

“I would have looked a bit stupid if I got out and he’d snuck into the circle.”

After combining with Marnus Labuschagne (52 off 78 balls) for a 118-run partnership for the third wicket, Smith passed triple figures in the 44th over of Australia’s first innings.

It was the slowest of Smith’s 12 ODI centuries, reaching the milestone in 127 deliveries.

“The criticism of having Smith and Labuschagne in the same team is that they’re both similar in their methods, but when you are two for not many, they are the ideal three and four,” O’Keeffe said.

“They love the art of batting together. Their partnerships are strong. They really do love each other’s company at the crease.”

Steve Smith of Australia. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Earlier in Sunday’s match, departing Australian captain Aaron Finch was removed for 5 in his final ODI knock, finishing his 50-over international career with 5406 runs at 38.89.

The Cairns spectators gave the 35-year-old a standing ovation as he exited the field, a tame conclusion to an otherwise extraordinary career.

West Australian gloveman Josh Inglis, who replaced veteran opener David Warner for the dead rubber, was removed by Kiwi seamer Trent Boult for 10 in the Powerplay.

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey scored an unbeaten 42 at the death, while young all-rounder Cameron Green provided some late fireworks, slapping 25 not out off 12 balls.

The hosts later secured a 3-0 series whitewash after bowling New Zealand out for 242, with speedster Mitchell Starc claiming three wickets in the run chase.

Originally published as ‘Very clever’: Steve Smith brings up 12th ODI century after umpiring cameo