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Smooth opener dismissed! Three wickets left (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

even out

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'smooth opener dismissed three wickets left' is the definition.
'even out' can be an answer for 'smooth' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'opener dismissed three wickets left' bit.

'smooth opener dismissed three wickets left' is the wordplay.
'smooth' becomes 'even' (associated in meaning).
'opener dismissed three wickets left' becomes 'out' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'even'+'out'='EVEN OUT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for even out that I've seen before include "Make less varied" , "Leave flat" , "Make level" , "Become level" , "iron?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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