In a surprising turn of events during the first Test match against Bangladesh, former Australian opener
Warner took issue with Smith's immediate signal for a review, which came before umpire Kumar Dharmasena had even raised his finger to indicate a decision. “I just don’t like the way that Steve’s reacted there," Warner commented during the broadcast. “You can’t do that." Despite commentator Brendon Julian suggesting that Smith seemed confident in his stance, Warner reiterated his concerns, stating, “I just don’t think you can do that!"
Unprecedented Review Decision
Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe also weighed in on the unusual nature of the incident, noting that it was rare for a batter to request a review before an umpire's decision had been made. “That is a unique moment in Test cricket that a batter has gone upstairs before the umpire has made a decision," O’Keeffe remarked. Ultimately, the review vindicated Smith's instincts, as technology revealed that the sound had originated from his bat hitting the ground, not an edge.
This was not the only peculiar moment involving Smith during the match. Earlier, Hossain believed he had dismissed Smith caught behind, prompting Smith to begin walking back to the pavilion. However, Dharmasena did not signal him out. Following a review by Bangladesh, technology confirmed there was no edge. Smith later acknowledged his uncertainty about the incident, stating, “I think so, yeah," when asked if he had made contact. Reflecting on his fortune to remain at the crease, he admitted, “I was lucky? Yeah, it seems that way. You got to take it sometimes."
Smith's innings eventually concluded at 44 runs off 88 balls, as he edged a delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz. As the day ended, Australia found themselves in a precarious position, trailing Bangladesh by 67 runs with four wickets still in hand.
