Regardless of the lineup they choose, Steve Smith predicted that the Indian attack would present a difficult challenge in the World Test Championship final.
Steve Smith stated that regardless of the team they choose, he anticipates the Indian attack to present a difficult challenge in the WTC Final.
Prior to recently, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the focus of Australia’s preparations in India.
However, now they must also be on the lookout for Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.
“They obviously have a good mix of quality seam bowlers, in my opinion. Shami and Siraj, who I believe to be their two main players and who have excellent skills, fit well with the Dukes ball”.
“Then, of course, there are their spinners, who bowl superbly under any circumstance. I believe they have a strong attack, so we must play well this week against them”, he said.
Steve Smith expresses concern for the future of Test cricket
Smith played on the Australian teams that won the ODI and T20 World Cups. But the WTC final is a one-time event in a two-year cycle.
When asked if he feels the same as he did when playing the big finals in the shorter formats, he responded:
“I haven’t thought too much about it in that aspect. It’s been a great couple of years for Test cricket, so participating in the World Test Championship final is pretty special”.
“But yeah, I don’t know; I don’t know how it’ll feel until we sort of go out there and get started. However, the previous few days’ buildup was good”.
“We’ve had some good training days down in Beckenham, and we get to play today and tomorrow at the Oval”.
The Oval has been the site of sporting events since 1880. But this will be the first Test that will be held there in June.
On Monday, the field appeared somewhat green, but for the first day, the grass will be trimmed.
“You’re right, typically back into the summer it’s a bit drier. But I haven’t had a look at the surface yet. So I probably can’t say too much.”
“As the game progresses, especially, some spin might be used. So, yes, we’ll wait to see how the surface appears”, Smith said.
He also encouraged Boland to step in admirably for Hazlewood.
“I believe you’ll understand Scotty’s actions fairly well. It will undoubtedly be a challenge if he receives the nod. He swings the ball if he wants to, hits a good length, hits the top of the stump, snips the ball around, and has great skills as well.”
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