Star Australian batter Steve Smith has indicated that he’s fully prepared for the upcoming Test series against India, saying he’s ready to play a red-ball game as early as tomorrow if required. The 35-year-old noted that he had a productive week of training and arrived early to practice ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan in Melbourne.
With the highly anticipated five-match Test series set to begin on November 22 at Optus Stadium in Perth, Smith’s role will be crucial as Australia aims to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The hosts are under pressure, as India has won the last two series in Australia.
Speaking to SEN Radio after the first ODI against Pakistan, Smith remarked (via India Today):
“I’m ready. I’m ready now. Yeah, I could go out and play a Test match tomorrow, so I feel like I’m in a good place. I’ve had a really good week of training, came down here early and had a few hits. And I was just trying to get a few things right that I felt like I didn’t quite have in sync. And it all just clicked. And I feel like I’m in a good place now.”
The New South Wales cricketer played a vital knock of 44 in a tense, low-scoring thriller against Pakistan in the first of three ODIs in Melbourne on Monday (November 4). Australia, chasing 204, were reduced to 139/6 at one point, but Pat Cummins guided them to victory with two wickets remaining.
“I feel like I’m in a good spot and moving really well”- Steve Smith
Smith also mentioned that he was pleased with his performance in the first ODI but was eager to play a more significant role in the upcoming matches. He added:
“My last week in preparation has been really good. I feel like I’m in a nice place and moving really well, I’m really balanced at the crease, and I feel like my bat’s coming down a nice plane. So I was happy with the way about it tonight. It would be nice to have been out there a little bit longer.”
Australia and Pakistan will face each other in the second ODI on Friday (November 8) in Melbourne.
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