Jamie Smith’s moment of misjudgment on Monday proved costly for England, as he handed Australia part-timer Marnus Labuschagne his 14th Test wicket on a platter during the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.

Smith had been in partnership with England superstar Joe Root, adding 94 crucial runs for the sixth wicket. However, his poor shot selection allowed Labuschagne to make the breakthrough. Bowling right-arm medium pace, Labuschagne delivered a short-pitched delivery that Smith charged at, only to mistime a swat to the off-side, resulting in a catch to Scott Boland at deep cover. Labuschagne erupted in celebration, joined by jubilant teammates, as the SCG crowd roared.

The manner of Smith’s dismissal left fans and pundits baffled. Former England player Isa Guha said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage:
“Jamie Smith, what have you done?! Just before lunch, Marnus Labuschagne gets the breakthrough. One too many times in the series, Australia have been handed a gift – and that was another one. They had all the momentum with them, just under 10 minutes until lunch and just before the second new ball as well.”

Even Australian star keeper-batter Alyssa Healy couldn’t comprehend Smith’s choice. “There is one man in the deep in front of point on the off-side and he has picked him out,” Healy said. “I know this is the way they play, but you cannot honestly tell me he’s going to walk back into that change room and be patted on the back.”

Smith’s lapse shifted momentum firmly back to Australia, reminding England that in high-pressure Ashes encounters, one poor shot can have outsized consequences.

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