Former India Team coach Ravi Shastri believe Steve Smith to do a better job as the Australian skipper in the 3rd Test in Indore, beginning on March 1. Shastri reckons that the extra piece of working load brings the best out of the veteran Test batter.
With Pat Cummins ruled out of the 3rd Test to accompany to his mother, who is in palliative care, Cricket Australia has declared Smith as skipper. It is the 3rd time that the 33-year-old has replete in as skipper since Cummins became the full-time Test captain.
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In his post for The Age, Shastri stated that Smith is an reflex choice as Cummins’ replacement for the captainship, suggestion him to elevate his game.
“Australia do have a readymade 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.”
Taking into consideration his experience of playing game in India, the former spinner await Smith to grasp the tempo of cricket 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.”
The New South Wales batter was Australia’s full-time skipper between 2014-2018. He came close to achievement a Test series victory in India 6 years ago but the hosts victory the 4-match series 2-1. He also boasts a batting average of 67.73 in 36 Tests as skipper.