'Maharaj Steve Smith': Aussie batter's royal treatment in Rajkot sparks meme fest among Indian fans

While India has already secured the three-match ODI series with a 2-0 lead, Australia is now playing for pride ahead of the 2023 World Cup. In the ongoing 3rd ODI, after choosing to bat, the Australian opening duo of Mitchell Marsh and David Warner provided a solid start. However, after Warner's departure for 56, Steve Smith took charge of the innings at Rajkot's Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

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The Australian team seemed to struggle with the Indian heat, frequently bringing drinks onto the field after nearly every over. This became more evident when Mitchell Marsh was dismissed for 96 by Kuldeep Yadav, and other Australian players was seen bringing a chair to the crease to cope with the conditions.

With the temperature at 33°C, Smith was spotted using a chair, towel, and ice pack on the ground. This royal treatment did not go unnoticed by Indian fans, who took to social media to share memes about the "Maharaj" Smith receiving such special attention.

In terms of the match, Smith, who had been looking in fine form, was eventually dismissed for 74 by Mohammed Siraj in the 31st over. The delivery from Siraj was angled in and seemed straight, catching Smith off guard as he attempted a flick shot across the line. The ball's trajectory was in line with the off-stump, and it crashed into the stumps. Smith, despite his strong batting, appeared to tire due to the heat.

At the time of writing this article, after 35 overs, Australia had scored 254 runs and lost three wickets, with Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna each claiming one wicket.