Steven Smith-James Anderson engage in 'war of words', Aleem Dar's intervention amuses commentators — WATCH

Steven Smith was targetted again and again by English players not just with the ball or the attacking field, but sledges in Adelaide Test

Arun Rawal
Dec 03, 2017

Never a dull moment on the field, that’s the beauty of Ashes. The first ever pink ball Ashes Test (men) promises to be a full dose of entertainment whether it is the talking between the bat and ball or the players. A similar incident took place on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test. England’s veteran bowler James Anderson was fielding at the silly mid on position and had a few words to say to Australian skipper Steven Smith.

While the two were involved in a heated exchange of words, Umpire Aleem Dar intervened in his own unique style. Dar tried to come in between and showed his hand asking them to stop. Though Anderson was trying to stand there and sledge Smith a bit more. Dar soon realised this and stood in between the two players with one hand on the back and one in the pocket.

The commentators could not stop laughing as the Umpire handled the situation in the best way possible. Michael Clarke was amused by Dar’s effort to stop the sledging. He seemed to understand that it is quite a ritual to sledge another in the biggest and the oldest rivalry of cricket, the Ashes. Though he did not utter a single word while interfering in the sledging contest between the two teams.

Here’s the video of the incident –

Smith and Anderson with PLENTY to say and Aleem decides to step in… #Ashes pic.twitter.com/gNNTdMgBMK

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 2, 2017

Aussie great Ricky Ponting on the verbal exchanges that dominated discussion on the opening day’s play…#Ashes @SwisseAU pic.twitter.com/RzP7wa36Ip

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 3, 2017

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Smith was not just sledged by Anderson. He was the prime target of English bowler Stuart Broad as well and the fielders standing in the slip position including skipper Joe Root. In the video, they can be seen laughing as well.

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Smith got out for 40 runs in the first innings. Though it was Craig Overton who got his wicket. Australia scored 442 for 8 in the first innings as Shaun Marsh starred with a well-fought century.