In Sunday evening’s World Cup match, Australian cricketer Steve Smith shocked many fans by leaving the field after a controversial moment during the seventh over of Australia’s run chase at Narendra Modi Stadium. Smith was caught off guard when Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah bowled a slower off-cutter that disarmed his defences and struck him on the pads. Umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger, and after consulting with teammate Travis Head, Smith was sent off the field.

However, it appears that Head’s advice may have been misguided. Hawkeye replays suggested that the ball had struck Smith outside the line of off stump, meaning he would have survived if he had called for a review. It is unusual for Smith to not ask for a review, especially given his history of never thinking he is out. Out of all Australian cricketers, it is possible that no one has wasted more reviews than the 34-year-old Smith.

With his departure in the seventh over, Australia was struggling at 3-47 and faced a daunting task ahead. The tournament was challenging for Smith, who averaged just 33.55 with the bat in ten matches and passed fifty only twice against Netherlands and Bangladesh. Despite being a typically consistent batsman like Smith, this tournament proved to be underwhelming for him.