Steve Smith embarrassed by unknown rookie in Sheffield Shield return

Australian superstar Steve Smith was thwarted by a rookie pace bowler in his long-awaited Sheffield Shield return on Wednesday.

Mitchell Perry removing Steve Smith.

Australian superstar Steve Smith has been thwarted by a rookie bowler in his first Sheffield Shield innings of the summer.

Because he was taking part in the Indian Premier League, Smith did not feature in the first half of the domestic tournament back in October.

But the 31-year-old was named in the New South Wales starting XI to face Victoria at the SCG this week.

Watch every match of the 2020/21 Marsh Sheffield Shield Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Victoria skipper Peter Handscomb won the toss and elected to bowl first, with paceman James Pattinson removing Blues opener Nick Larkin early for two.

Smith waltzed to the crease and immediately commenced his trademark antics, swivelling his toes and waving his bat while leaving the ball outside off.

Steve Smith of the Blues.

Playing in just his third Sheffield Shield match, Victorian young gun Mitchell Perry tempted Smith with a series of wide deliveries, which the Australian Test No. 4 was happy to leave alone.

But then the 20-year-old bowled a leg-cutter which caught the batsman’s outside edge, with wicketkeeper Seb Gotch making no mistakes with the gloves.

Sports presenter Andy Maher tweeted: “Magnificent leg cutter from young Mitch Perry to knock over Steve Smith. What a moment for the young fella.”

How long before teams set him up for the stumping by bowling for the leave, knowing he will walk out of his crease? #SheffieldShield https://t.co/29AwFLc2j6

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) February 17, 2021

Smith made his way back to the pavilion for seven, leaving the Blues in dire straits at 2/30.

Soon after, Perry also removed New South Wales captain Peter Nevill with a length delivery which was edged towards Matt Short at first slip, bringing his career wickets tally to five.

The Blues crumbled to 8/134 on day one, with Pattinson and spinner Jon Holland also claiming two scalps each.

Veteran all-rounder Moises Henriques was the only batsman to reach a half-century, passing the minor milestone in the evening session.

HUGE moment for Mitch Perry who took the wicket of Steve Smith 💪#vicsdoitbetter #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/aPLVyrMLre

— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) February 17, 2021

20yo Vic quick Mitch Perry has both Steve Smith and Peter Nevill from edges, and he looks pretty good #SheffieldShield

— Simon Brunsdon (@SimonBrunsdon) February 17, 2021