India kicked-off their pink-ball Test series against the Australians from December 17. The first of the four Tests is currently being played in Adelaide. When it comes to Test cricket, we all know what threat Steven Smith possesses. Don Bradman had an average of 99.4 and second, comes the modern-day great Steven Smith with an average of around 63.
The Right-hander batsmen looked in good touch in ODIs and T20s where he managed to score 2 centuries resulting in a win. Steve Smith is no exception. You don’t average over 60 in Test cricket without being technically & tactically very good while also being physically fit, having mental and emotional control, and also have your life outside of cricket in order.
Steven Smith has an average of over 100 against India and the biggest challenge for India will be again to get his wicket. Steve Smith is officially the best Test batsman in the world again, taking over the top spot from India captain Virat Kohli. Aakash Chopra suggested India a plan and strategy to get Steven Smith out.
Aakash Chopra Formulated A Plan For Indian Pacers To Counter The Batting Threat Of Steve Smith.
While writing for ESPNCricinfo, the cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra stated that bowlers should not even try to trap Smith in front of stumps, since the cricketer hardly gets out to LBW against pace bowlers. Aakash Chopra added that fast bowlers should opt to bowl the batsman on the leg-side when the ball starts reverse-swinging.
Chopra advised the Indian pacers to consistently bowl to him on leg stump with the hope of getting him caught down at leg slip. A similar strategy was once used perhaps for the first time in international cricket by former Indian captain MS Dhoni during his playing days. In 2014’s Melbourne Test, which was also the last of Dhoni’s Test career, Smith was caught at leg slip by Ajinkya Rahane off the bowling of Umesh Yadav.
The Australian batsman had scored only 14 in that innings, to register the lowest score of his prolific home summer. According to the cricket expert, even though Steve Smith is an expert at scoring runs on the leg side, it can become his downfall too.
