Throwback: When Steve Smith had a 'brain fade' moment during the 2017 BGT series
Cricketers having 'brain fade' moments on the field have become more common with time. As the pressure and high intensity get to the players, lapses of concentration or blank-outs become a more common sight.
With the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) going on, one such 'brain fade' moment involving Australian great Steve Smith deserves a throwback. The infamous incident occurred during the 2017 BGT series when Australia toured India for a four-match Test series.
During the second Test that took place in Bengaluru, in the second innings of the game, India pacer Umesh Yadav trapped Smith, getting him out leg before. Smith had a small discussion with his partner Peter Handscomb, who was at the non-strikers' end.
However, he was then caught looking at the Australian dressing room, as though seeking advice on whether to review the decision and take the DRS or not. As per the rules, players cannot take help from outside sources while on the field and Steve Smith's act was clearly against the rules.
Rightfully so, then Indian captain Virat Kohli approached the umpires, pointing this out and Smith was eventually not allowed to take the review. While India went on to win the Test, Smith's 'brain fade' moment became the highlight of not just the game but the series as well.
Virat Kohli claimed that Smith tried to exploit the DRS with his act of seeking help from the dressing room. After the game, however, Steve Smith claimed that it was a 'brain fade' moment and a lapse in decision-making from his end. The incident gave rise to a massive controversy and added fuel to the fire in a series that was already heated.
How has Steve Smith fared in the 2024-25 BGT series so far?
Steve Smith has not had a successful 2024-25 BGT series so far, failing to make any significant contribution with the bat in both Tests. In the first Test in Perth, the right-hander was dismissed for a duck in the first innings. He managed to score just 17 runs in the second innings before Mohammed Siraj sent him packing.
Although Australia won the second Test, Smith failed to perform on a personal level. He was once again dismissed for a low score, making just 2 runs in the first innings in Adelaide.
Going into the third Test in Brisbane, Steve Smith will be desperate to bounce back and get some crucial runs under his belt.