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- Comes after being overlooked for Australian T20 World Cup squad
One fortunate Australian Open fan can thank Cricket Australia for leaving star player Steve Smith at home, with the Test superstar saving them from a potentially dangerous fall at the tennis.
Smith was overlooked for Australia’s current T20 series in Pakistan and the T20 World Cup squad despite electrifying form in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers.
That left the Aussie cricketer free to enjoy the tennis, sitting in the stands for the Carlos Alcarez v Alexander Zverev semi-final.
A spectator sitting near Smith said his lightning-fast reflexes were called into play to catch a woman that nearly fell into the row in front of them.
‘Sitting behind Steve Smith at the Alcaraz v Zverev semi-final last night. During a break at switch of ends a lady is departing the aisle in front of Steve and she starts to fall,’ the fan told News Corp.
‘Steve and his mate catch her from falling followed by a few good lines from the crowd around [Including]; ‘She’s in good hands there’, ‘catch of the summer’ and ‘another catch for the tally.’
Steve Smith, pictured with his wife Dani Willis, is a big fan of tennis as well as cricket and has been attending the Australian Open
Smith is known for his ability to take classic catches and his reflexes were called into action at the Aussie Open
Smith had a huge season with the Sydney Sixers in the BBL but could not earn a place in the Australian T20 World Cup squad
The woman, thought to be in her 40s, was grateful for Smith’s quick reaction but quickly moved on, appearing slightly embarrassed by the attention after her slip.
Smith had already enjoyed a marathon day at Melbourne Park, watching two blockbuster matches on Friday, first Carlos Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev, followed by the late-night thriller between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
The Ashes-winning Australian skipper is also expected to return on Sunday, with plans to attend the Djokovic–Alcaraz final.
It comes after Smith was sensationally overlooked for Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign.
The Test superstar, who produced an unbelievable cameo for the Sydney Sixers late in this season’s BBL, was overlooked despite pressure to include him.
‘With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late order hitting,’ Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.
‘We believe his ability to swing the ball at good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.
‘Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.
‘With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament.
‘As a left hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.’
