Steve Smith had a terrible Test series against the mighty Black Caps. Steve Smith managed to score only 51 runs in 4 innings as he played fearless brand of cricket due to which now his place as an opening batter is questioned by a lot of cricket experts. Steve Smith perhaps needs to bat at his regular batting position of No.4 as he is someone who can provide stability to the team if there is a collapse.
Travis Head’s form is also a concern for the team, recently he was named as the vice-captain of the side. Pat Cummins, the dangerous right arm pacer had indirectly hinted that he may not lead the Test side for a long span of time. Aussies are peaking in all the 3 formats of the game but there is still a lot of hard work to be done if they want to beat India in BGT 2024-25.
I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge- Andrew McDonald
Andrew McDonald was having an interaction with the reporters after the conclusion of 2nd Test match between Australia & New Zealand. Andrew McDonald was quite optimistic that the star batter Steve Smith will come good in the upcoming Test series against India in Australia. Andrew McDonald pointed out that Steve Smith is up for the challenge as being an opening batter.
“No doubt everyone is still asking the question … he is a great player and his ability to problem solve is one of his great strengths. I think it’s unfair, and that will probably mean I’m going into defensive mode around my player. I don’t think it’s deserved. He’ll be able to work through that. He’s been challenged in these conditions. He’s up for the challenge, and I think any time that Steve Smith fails he sees it as a greater challenge,” said Andrew McDonald.
Australia not that much invincible
Australian side will have to go back to the drawing board as their batting performance against West Indies in the 2nd Test match was quite awful. Australia may have won Test series against New Zealand by 2-0 after the brilliant batting performance of Mitchell Marsh & wicket-keeper Alex Carey but still the middle order is quite fragile.
The Pat Cummins’ led side will be aware of the fact that Rohit Sharma’s unit will come into their face and play intrepid brand of cricket. Australia will have to manage the workload of the dynamic left arm speedster Mitchell Starc as he is someone who may give early break-throughs but at the same time, he can also be at the receiving end which is a huge concern.