(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) It is going to be tough to play spinners in this part of the world Nathan Lyon Richardson Steve Smith and Hughes during a training session at the ICC Cricket Academy grounds. — KT photo by Shihab
Dubai — Australians are known for their cricketing culture and they are never short of quality players. Steve Smith is another example who improved tremendously after making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2010 in England. He came into the team as a bowler but with the passage of time has taken huge strides in the batting department. At the moment he has become an integral part of the Aussie team in almost all formats of the game.
“We know it is going to be tough to play spinners in this part of the world but we have done our work and the team is ready for the challenge. Everyone in the team plays the spin very well and we have done the home work. We need to stick to our plans to score runs and win the series” Smith said while talking to media at the ICC Cricket Academy ahead of Australian team’s practice session on Friday.
“I have gone through a big change since I made my Test debut against Pakistan in 2010 in England. I started mainly as a spin bowler but as the time went by I have been looked at as a batting all-rounder. I feel privileged to be part of the Australian team and I want to keep learning improve my game and bring some sort of consistency to my play” the all-rounder said.
While answering a question about Saeed Ajmal’s absence in the series Smith said: “Obviously it will be a setback for Pakistan because he has been the best spinner in the world in last few years.
“I would have loved to face him in these challenging conditions because Australians love challenging themselves against the best bowlers in the world. Ajmal’s absence will make things easy for us but Pakistan have got a pool of spinners who can make their mark if they get the opportunity in the series.”
New South Wales player looks like a complete package after some fine performances in his short international career. He has got a good temperament and can adjust to any form of the game.
“I am ready for any role in the team and love to play in all the formats. Since I played some IPL matches here earlier this year and know a little about the pitches. The conditions suited the batting during the IPL matches and team is looking for a bright start under the guidance of Aaron Finch who has got good Twenty20 experience” the soft-spoken Australian said.
Australians have got a boost after some of their key players who were part of the Champions League Twenty20 being played in India have joined the team on Friday.
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