Steve Smith

Jan 29, 2023

Sun, 29 January 2023 11:46AM The West Australian Share to Facebook Copy the Link Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner has praised “true professional” David Payne for pushing through a bout of the flu to produce an important bowling performance. The English import took 3-33 from his four overs, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith and top-scorer Moises Henriques, to help the Scorchers to a seven-wicket qualifier final victory over arch-rivals Sydney Sixers. Turner said he was informed Payne wasn’t well on the eve of the match after potentially catching the virus off fellow paceman Lance Morris. Payne was in a separate changeroom on match day with high fives put away in a bid to limit the spread. Camera Icon Payne took a diving catch off his own bowling to dismiss Steve Smith. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images He went off the ground straight away after he finished his four overs and was struggling post-match. WA-contracted seamer Charlie Stobo was rushed into the extended squad after being pulled out of WA Premier Cricket as cover. “We put a lot of confidence in each of the individuals in our squad and put a lot of trust in what they say, so if they say we’re OK to play then we’ll trust them and back them in,” Turner said. “We’ve all had the flu before and felt unwell... he’s had a pretty rough day and sometimes when you’re crook getting out of bed can be a challenge.