Auss coach likens Delhi debacle to ‘slow motion car crash’ as reveals Steve Smith’s EXPLOSIVE reaction to his sacking
- The coach likens the Delhi disaster to a car accident
- Di Venuto explains the panic in the dressing room
- He said Smith’s reaction was ‘unusual’
Australian batting coach Michael Di Venuto has lifted the lid on the mood in the dressing room during Australia’s disastrous second Test collapse against India – and Steve Smith’s outburst after the dismissal.
India won the second Test by six wickets in Delhi on Sunday after Australia collapsed from 1-61 to 113 in just 90 minutes.
Having lost 10 wickets in a session in the opening Test in Nagpur, in which they were crushed by an innings and 132 runs, the tourists lost nine before lunch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Smith’s wicket sparked an eight-wicket collapse and the batting star was furious when he returned to the sheds.
“He was definitely disappointed when he came out and let it be known in the locker room that it was a bad shot,” Bats coach Michael DiVenuto told News Corp.
Australia coach Michael Di Venuto (pictured) has lifted the lid on the mood in the dressing room during Australia’s disastrous second Test collapse against India – and Steve Smith’s outburst after his dismissal
India won the second Test by six wickets in Delhi on Sunday after Australia collapsed from 1-61 to 113 in just 90 minutes
“I think most people would have heard that, they should have a fair idea of what not to do. It was just one of those moments in the game where you’re under pressure from world-class bowlers, things happen sometimes, it’s unusual for him.”
Di Venuto explained the panic that set in as the wickets fell.
“It was like a car accident in slow motion, wasn’t it?” he said and explained that nothing can be done to stop it.
“I wish there was and it generally happens and it has already happened and it’s like what just happened there. You saw exactly what we saw. It’s just constant panic and people moving everywhere.
“You lose a wicket you never want to go bang bang and lose two. And in this country it’s easy to get hit early and then it’s just a matter of trying to get that next partnership and calm the waters a bit. The other day we lost four wickets at 95. Something like that. It just kept happening.’
Di Venuto admitted the stressful environment was not ideal for the batsmen preparing to take the crease – but that is all part of the game.
“This is part of the process of cricket. Some are good. Some will blow up. Everyone is different. Some will leave and blow up. Others are quite open,” he said.
“It is difficult in cricket and that has been passed down through the ages. Blowouts, guys are much better these days, I think the majority, you still have some no doubt. It’s a disappointment. Nobody wants to go out and people want to play. Tough game.
Steve Smith (pictured) was furious after losing his wicket cheaply and informed the rest of the team when he returned to the sheds
Ravindra Jadeja finishes with career-best figures of 7-42 as India shreds Aussies
Former Australian cricketers Michael Slater and Michael Bevan were known for their post-over outbursts, which often involved destroying equipment and screaming in the dressing sheds.
Amazon’s documentary series The Test shows many angry outbursts from the players behind the scenes during their darkest moments.
In a dramatic scene from Australia’s 2022 tour of Sri Lanka, Travis Head throws his bat into the dressing room in a fit of rage after being dismissed cheaply.
David Warner, Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon are all shown in moments of frustration, slamming doors, throwing tools and cursing in anger.