Former Australia captain and world’s no.1 Test batsman Steve Smith is gearing up for one of the most anticipated series against India down under. The tour begins with 6 limited-overs internationals and then turns to the good stuff in four Test matches starting in December.
Smith, along with Warner, had missed the last Test series between these two sides in 2018-19 due to the one-year ban on them. Australia had lost that series 2-1, the first instance of them losing to India in Test series at home; but with both Smith and Warner back, Australia will find themselves in the driver’s seat.
Talking about the series and the infamous sledging that has become synonymous with Australians, Steve Smith says that the verbal banter doesn’t work anymore on Indians, given that many Australian players play in the IPL and have gotten friendly with players from other countries, including India.
"People talk so much about sledging and stuff. But it is very little that happens in our days. I think probably it has a lot to do with things like IPL that brings together players from all around the world. So for instance if you get stuck into someone one day, you might be playing with them a few days later or a few months later. So it is awkward. Obviously, it doesn't happen so much nowadays," said Smith on Tuesday while speaking to reporters.
Smith was also all praises for the Indian bowling unit, which ripped apart Australia in 2018-19 and said that “It doesn't hurt (having played them in IPL). (But) international cricket is different. They are all bowling together. They have got a very good bowling lineup. They have proven that over the last few years. It is going to be an exciting summer for us.
I don't know (which bowler to look forward to). They are all good bowlers. They've got good records and have done well for quite some time. I can't pinpoint any one bowler. You know as a collective we have to play them well."
He also felt that the Indian team has enough talent to replace Rohit Sharma in the limited-overs series and Virat Kohli in three of the four-Test matches the teams are going to play. Rohit is injured and will miss the T20Is and ODIs, while Kohli will fly back to India after playing the first Test in Adelaide on paternal leave.
"Rohit is a tremendous white-ball player. He has proven that for several years now. Obviously, he leaves a bit of a hole but with this Indian team, there are so many batters coming around that are high quality. You look at someone like Mayank Agarwal. In the IPL, he smashed runs. KL Rahul can bat at the top," said Smith.
"There are plenty of options for them. Look, you will leave a hole no doubt but quality players to back him up. The same is with Virat and the Test squad. There are several players there that can come in and do a good job. Virat is of high quality in all forms. He will certainly leave a hole but I still think they have quality batters waiting in the wings to come in and fill that void,” he signed off.
(IANS inputs)
