Australia batsman Steve Smith is finding it hard to get proper sleep before the match days. He is getting help from experts on the problem. Apart from sleep, he is also working on how to tackle Pakistan leg-spinner, Yasir Shah. It was confirmed by the skipper Tim Paine.
Yasir has got Smith out seven times and he was the one who dismissed in the first Test as well.
Captain Paine talked about Smith's sleep issue and revealed how he struggled during the Ashes badly. “I know he’s working with people at Cricket Australia and elsewhere on trying to find a better night’s sleep,” Paine told reporters in Adelaide on Thursday.
He said, “It’s not a great endorsement for his Koala mattress company but he’s working on trying to get better at that and trying to relax a bit more between games. I don’t think it’s an easy fix for someone who’s wired the way Steve is.”
Australia is going with the same lineup against Pakistan in the next Test match. They don't want to make changes in the side which defeated the tourists by an innings and five runs at Brisbane.
The hosts are currently leading by 1-0 and have no fear of losing the 2-match series. In fact, they are eyeing to whitewash the Pakistan side.
Aussie skipper talked about the contest between Yasir and Smith. He feels Steve would like to counterattack the leggie in the next match.
Yasir had shown seven fingers to tell Smith the number of times he has got him after picking his wicket at Brisbane. To punish himself, the Australia stalwart ran to the hotel from the stadium and didn't take the team bus. “I think he’ll look to put (Yasir) under pressure,” he said. “I’ve sensed that he was extra motivated, I guess, after the little send-off he got.”
(WITH REUTERS INPUTS)
