BGT 2023: Steve Smith understands the tempo of cricket in India better than Pat Cummins, says Ravi Shastri
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said that interim captain Steve Smith understands the tempo of cricket in India better than Pat Cummins. Smith is all set to lead Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series in Cummins’ absence, who has travelled back to Australia due to a medical emergency in his family.
Shastri backs Smith to succeed in Indore (AP)
By India Today Web Desk: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has said that interim captain Steve Smith understands the tempo of cricket in India better than Pat Cummins. Smith is all set to lead Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series in Cummins’ absence, who has travelled back to Australia due to a medical emergency in his family.
Writing a column for the Age, Shastri heaped praise on Smith, saying he is one of those players who thrive on the extra workload of leading the side.
“Australia do have a ready-made replacement at the top in Steve Smith. And I think that will work for them. The responsibility of captaincy seems to bring that different kind of mindset. His concentration levels seem far higher, and you just have to look at his batting average as captain. It is outstanding. He is one of those players who thrives on the extra workload of leading the side,” said Shastri.
The former India all-rounder said Smith has got great understanding of Indian conditions and understands the tempo of cricket in India better than Cummins.
“There’s also the added element of how Smith will lead Australia here. He’s got a great understanding of Indian conditions, having led here before and also all the years he’s spent playing and captaining in the IPL. He understands the tempo of cricket in India better than what Cummins would have,” Shastri added.
He went on to say that Australia will have six proper batters in their line-up with Cameron Greens’ return, insisting that scoring close to 300 runs is the key to winning in Indore for Australia.
“With Cameron Green coming back, Australia have six proper batters and even if two of them come off, they could score close to 300 and more in their first innings. That is key in Indore,” said Shastri.
