Outstanding Smith vows to improve

LONDON: After four and ahalf months of boos and barbs, Steve Smith finally received the reception he deserved then vowed to improve as a superb series finished on a subdued note at the Oval.

Much like Australia’s Ashes campaign, which ended with a 135run loss and drawn series, Smith saved his worst for last.

Australia’s best batsman since Don Bradman was out clipping a ball from Stuart Broad to Ben Stokes at leg gully for 23, his lowest test score for Australia since the Cape Town crisis erupted.

The upside for Smith, as he joked to teammates after regaining composure in the rooms, was that bowlers and captains will now believe that a legside trap is the best method to dismiss him.

The downside for the world’s topranked batsman is there was no bittersweet century; Smith has celebrated 26 test tons but has not reached three figures in the fourth innings of a test.

Yet nothing could take the shine off the righthander’s remarkable series, in which he has smashed records while helping himself to 774 runs at 110.57.

Smith walked off to a reception befitting a onceinageneration player, Australian and English fans rising to their feet in appreciation.

The only realistic choice for man of the series was jeered and condemned as a cheat from the moment he set foot in England for the World Cup in May.

That the 30yearold, who was even booed by some fans at Lord’s when he returned after retiring hurt because of a bouncer blow to the neck, has won people over.

‘‘It was a nice reception when I walked off,’’ he said.

‘‘I have given it my all while I have been here. I didn’t have much more to give today.’’ ‘‘The first innings was my favourite . . . it gave me the confidence to know I could slot straight back in.

‘‘You always want to get better. I’ll continue to work hard.’’ — AAP