Watch: Steve Smith was visibly dejected after he was given out to a debatable lbw shout for 30 on his Sussex County Championship debut against Worcestershire on Friday (May 5).

Smith’s much anticipated debut was not the most memorable of County bows as he first held up play for ten minutes due to an illegal helmet before getting out early. Walking out to bat at No.5 after his side had slumped to 67-3, Smith’s helmet made headlines after it failed to meet the County Championship standards mandated by the ECC.

After a slight delay, he was back doing what he does best – batting with intent as he opened his account with a four. Partnering with India’s Cheteshwar Pujara, who is the skipper of Sussex, Smith helped add 61 for the fourth wicket before he was given out lbw on 30.

Smith looked to play a delivery by Josh Tongue, but the ball missed his bat and managed to hit him on the left pad, above his knee roll. It seemed to be going down the leg side besides appearing to be high as well, but he was in for a shock as the on-field umpire ruled him out. With no DRS in place for the clash, Smith had to walk back disappointed, on 30 off 57.

Watch the dismissal here:

Josh Tongue becomes the first English bowler to dismiss Steve Smith this summer!

There could be another 15 by August…#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/0sug4txWCY

— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 5, 2023