‘Worst dismissal of the Ashes’ – Ex-England captain slams Jamie Smith’s poor shot selection in SCG Test

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has lambasted wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for a cheap dismissal. Smith fired a wild shot at part-timer Marnus Labuschagne during the fifth and final Test of the current Ashes 2025-26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England began Day 2 of the Sydney Test on 211/3, with talisman Joe Root in good form. England lost Harry Brook and skipper Ben Stokes quickly before Root helped to steady the ship with a key 94-run partnership with the 25-year-old. The visitors were on track to score a massive total until Smith made a wild shot and gave his wicket away.

Hussain was not pleased, since he criticised the style and timing of Jamie Smith dismissal.

The 57-year-old questioned Smith’s exit and discussed the issues he believes exist on the English side. He also questioned the Ben Stokes-led side’s tactics throughout the series, claiming they had failed to read the game.

“Was it England’s worst dismissal of the series? It was right up there. It was a really poor shot, not just because of the execution and because Labuschagne was bowling, but the timing- and that is the problem with this England side. It was nine minutes until Lunch and five overs until the new ball. Just survive and go again. They have a lot of talent but don’t seem to lock on to the situation of the game,” Vaughan told via Sky Sports after Day 2.

The Epsom-born played a decent knock of 46 runs and stitched a solid partnership with Root before departing. He was given a lifeline after being caught on 22, thanks to Cameron Green’s no-ball. The Englishman looked all set for a big knock before he decided to go over extra cover off the Aussie part-timer, eventually holing out to Boland.

Meanwhile, Root scored his first-ever red-ball century on Australian soil and his second century overall in this series. He completed his 41st ton with a straight drive, and in the process equalled Ricky Ponting’s tally of 41 centuries. The Yorkshire batter is now only behind Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar’s (51) tally.