Brisbane Test: Australia Accused of Deliberate Time-Wasting

Steve Smith and Australia face backlash for alleged deliberate time-wasting during the Brisbane Ashes Test. Critics call for umpire intervention amid controversial over-rate tactics.

Steve Smith, captaining Australia in the second Ashes Test, faces significant criticism for the team's alleged time-wasting tactics on day one in Brisbane. The match saw only 74 overs bowled, a record low for a full day's play in Australia, despite efforts to extend the game. This has led to accusations that the hosts deliberately slowed the game to avoid bowling England's last wicket under challenging lights.

Several former cricketers, including Simon Katich and Steven Finn, have strongly condemned the team's actions. They described the delays as a 'joke' and an 'obvious tactic,' urging umpires to intervene. The situation is exacerbated by recent ICC rule changes in 2023 that exempt innings under 80 overs from over-rate penalties, a modification reportedly influenced by Australian players.

This exemption proved beneficial for Australia, as they only needed to claim England's final wicket in six overs on the following morning. The controversy highlights a potential loophole in the regulations, especially considering Australia's past experience with over-rate penalties affecting crucial World Test Championship points.

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