Former Australian skipper Steve Smith gave an example of true sportsman spirit as he had some encouraging words after Team India’s loss in the first test in Adelaide. They were bowled out for their lowest test score as Australian registered an 8-wicket victory in style.
They lead the series 1-0 ahead of the Melbourne Test match starting next Saturday. Meanwhile, India will be without their skipper Virat Kohli for the last three tests. Ajinkya Rahane will step in as the stand-in skipper. As the series moves on from Adelaide to Melbourne, Steve Smith had a message for India on Sony Sports Network‘s virtual press meet.
“Look, the other day we just saw some pretty incredible fast bowling. It is probably the best I’ve seen our bowlers bowl collectively for about five years I think,” Smith said in a virtual media conference facilitated by Sony Network.
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He also credited his Australian pacers for putting on a show in Adelaide. While Josh Hazlewood registered his career-best figures of five for eight, Pat Cummins took four wickets before India declared.
“The lengths they were hitting were just impeccable. Sometimes that happens, you get a good ball and you nick it. You got to let it go and move on and try and keep yourself in a positive mindset,” said Steve Smith.
Steve Smith Looking Forward to Boxing-Day Test
Smith has a good record in Boxing-Day tests in his career. In his seven Boxing Day tests, the right-hander has scored 908 runs at 113.50 with four centuries and three other scores more than 50. At his home ground in Sydney, his next best average at home, he has an average of 67.88.
When asked about the mindset of the Indian players leading into the Melbourne test, Smith said it depends from player to player.
“Again every individual is different, the way they take their dismissals, how they think about the game after it’s finished. It’s important to keep moving forward, look at yourself individually, what you could have done better” concluded Smith.
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