Australia vs New Zealand 1st Test: “I’ve Learnt to Block it,” Steve Smith on Boos in Melbourne

It might have been a while since the Sandpaper gate incident, but Steve Smith still found himself getting booed as he came out to bat in the first test between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne.

Smith was out from cricket for 12 months after the infamous ball tampering scandal, Since coming back, he has faced quite a hostile reception across stadiums. But he managed to dodge them and score an insane amount of runs.

He had a similar reception when he came out to bat on Thursday, but he gave a similar answer with his bat.

“Is that what happened? I have no idea,” Smith said at the end of day’s play. “I don’t really listen when I walk out to bat. Cheering, booing, dunno (don’t know). I’ve learnt to just block it all out, regardless, good or bad.”

Smith eventually went on to score 85 runs in the match. Travis Head scored a hundred and captain Tim Paine contributed with 79 as Australia went on to post 467 runs after having been asked to bat first.

New Zealand would be disappointed to concede the runs that they have, after winning the toss and bowling first. They seemed to have an ideal start with the wicket of Joe Burns in the first over, but Australia found their way back into the game after the early setback. Neil Wagner finished with four wickets and Tim Southee picket three wickets for New Zealand.

Also read: Australia vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Steve Smith gets into an Argument after Umpire Denies Leg Byes Twice

In reply to Australia’s score, New Zealand came out to bat towards the end of second day, but didn’t have a great start. New Zealand lost opener Tom Blundell and captain Kane Williamson cheaply. Tom Latham and Ross Taylor remained not out as the score at the end of second day read 44 for 2 after New Zealand played 18 overs.