Steve Smith Reacts to Lucky DRS Escape in AUS vs BAN 1st Test 2026, Says 'Technology Saved Me..' (Watch Video)
Australian batter Steve Smith admitted 'technology saved me' after a crucial DRS review went his way on Day 1 of the 1st Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. His crucial DRS reprieve, coupled with an earlier dropped catch, allowed him to top-score with 71, but Australia were eventually dismissed for a modest 198.
Steve Smith, Australia's veteran batter, candidly admitted that "technology saved me today" after a crucial DRS review went his way on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The fortunate escape allowed Smith to navigate a tricky period and top-score for Australia with 71 runs, despite the home side being bowled out for a modest 198 in their first innings. Steve Smith Grilled by Fan as 'Princess' for Halting Play in AUS vs BAN 1st Test in Darwin (Watch Video)
VIDEO - Steve Smith Speaks Out After Narrow Escape
"Did you nick that?"
"I think so, yeah."
Watch Steve Smith's full press conference after day one of #AUSvBAN: https://t.co/UPFVhNe5II pic.twitter.com/hzoOHz4xVR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 13, 2026
The incident occurred early in Smith's innings when a confident appeal for caught behind by the Bangladeshi team was reviewed. The umpire's initial decision was upheld, offering Smith a lifeline before he had reached double-figures. This pivotal moment, coupled with an earlier dropped catch in the slips by Tanzid Hasan off Ebadot Hossain when Smith was on two, highlighted a day of missed opportunities for Bangladesh and stark fortune for the Australian stalwart.
Bangladesh Dominates Opening Day
Despite Smith's resilience, it was Bangladesh who largely dominated the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship fixture. Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that quickly backfired as Bangladesh's bowlers, led by the impressive Hasan Mahmud, made early inroads. Mahmud recorded his career-best Test figures, snaring 6 wickets for just 55 runs from 17 overs, dismantling Australia's top and middle order.
The Australian innings saw several batters fall cheaply, with Jake Weatherald (23), Marnus Labuschagne (1), and Cameron Green (13) failing to make significant contributions. Smith, alongside Alex Carey (19), mounted a brief rescue mission with a 55-run partnership, but ultimately, the tail offered little resistance after Smith's eventual dismissal for 71.
Scorecard
| Team | Innings 1 Score | Leading Scorer | Leading Bowler (BAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 198 all out | Steve Smith (71) | Hasan Mahmud (6/55) |
| Bangladesh | 1/96 at stumps | Tanzid Hasan (32*), Mominul Haque (35*) | Mitchell Starc (1/20) |
At stumps on Day 1, Bangladesh had already made a strong reply, reaching 1/96 and trailing Australia's first-innings total by just 102 runs with nine wickets in hand. Openers Tanzid Hasan (32*) and Mominul Haque (35*) played crucial knocks, further solidifying Bangladesh's strong position in the Test.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 03:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
