AUS v IND 2020-21: “Steve Smith coaches himself,” says Justin Langer; warns Team India about his return to form

Langer said he can't wait to watch Smith bat as long as he coaches Australia.

Langer and Smith | GettySteve Smith, the no.3 ranked batsman in ICC’s Test rankings for batsmen, is going through a lean patch against India in the ongoing four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. He has had scores of 1, 1*,0, and 8.

He has fallen to R Ashwin twice and was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah behind his legs at MCG. However, coach Justin Langer has backed Smith to come good and ahead of the SCG Test, and has warned Team India that great players do not miss out on scoring for a long period.

"Imagine how good we will be when he (Smith) does start batting -- that's how I look at it. He hasn't had the best of series so far. He will be the first to admit that. What I know about great players (is that) the longer they miss out, the sooner they are coming good again. That puts a big smile on my face,” Langer said during a virtual press conference.

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How do you coach Steve? I don't coach Steve Smith. Steve Smith coaches himself and I am sure he is going to work it out,” he added.

The ICC Test Player of the Decade award winner Steve Smith admitted that he allowed the spinner to dictate terms in their battle in the ongoing Test series.

Langer expressed his excitement and said he can't wait to watch Smith bat as long as he is coaching the team from Down Under.

"He is a great player and I can't wait to watch him bat this Test match and the next Test match and, hopefully, for as long as I am coach," said Langer.

The third Test is slated to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 7.

(ANI inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 05 Jan, 2021

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