Steve Smith’s Mind Games Trap Shubman Gill, Lyon Strikes Before Lunch
Shubman Gill’s return to the Indian squad for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in disappointment as the young batter was dismissed for just 20 runs. His low scores outside Asia continue to raise questions, but it was the manner of his dismissal that stole the spotlight.
With lunch approaching, Steve Smith set a clever trap for Gill. Frustrated by Gill taking his time between deliveries, Smith voiced his irritation, calling the delay "bull**." A heated exchange followed, with Gill defending himself and even taking a jab at Smith. Marnus Labuschagne joined in, adding fuel to the fire with some playful taunts.
The mind games worked as Gill, seemingly rattled, stepped out to Nathan Lyon’s next delivery and edged it straight to Smith at slip. The dismissal proved crucial, setting the tone for India’s collapse.
India was bundled out for 185, with brief resistance from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. With the series on the line, the loss in Melbourne ensured India could no longer win the trophy outright. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s men still have a chance to retain it if they level the series in Sydney.