Not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, but Steve Smith Picks These Two Indian Cricketers as ‘Main Guys’ Ahead of WTC Final

Australia vice-captain Steve Smith expressed his confidence in the quality of the Indian bowling attack even in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He stressed on the need for the Australian batsmen to do well against them in the upcoming World Test Championship final starting June 7 at The Oval. Smith acknowledged the strength of India’s fast bowlers, especially Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, who have exceptional skills and Dukes will adapt to the situation with the ball. He also praised the Indian spinners and emphasized their effectiveness in all kinds of conditions. Smith recognized the challenge posed by India’s bowling attack and stressed the importance of Australia playing well against them.

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“They’ve got a good mix of quality seam bowlers, with Shami and Siraj probably their two main guys. They’ve got really good skills and Dukes’ ball will suit them well. And then obviously their spinners too.” , who bowl well all the way.” So I think their attack is good and we have to play well against them this week,” Smith told a press conference at The Oval.

After fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the WTC final due to his ongoing left Achilles and left hamstring issue, Australia were faced with a decision between Scott Boland and Michael Neser for the final playing XI. Smith expressed confidence in Neser’s abilities and believes he has the potential to make a significant impact if given the opportunity. Neser’s impressive performances in the ongoing County Championship with Glamorgan, including notable scores of 123, 86 and 90, further highlighted his prowess as an all-rounder. Smith described Neser as a quality performer with a wide range of skills, including the ability to bowl inswingers on flatter pitches. Smith believed that Neser’s batting ability makes him a valuable package overall and expressed confidence in his ability to excel if given a chance to play.

“(I’ve got) so much confidence, he’s a quality performer. I faced him against (county side) Glamorgan a couple of weeks ago and he bowled beautifully. He’s got fantastic skills and he’s added some inswingers to the wickets we’ve had. A bit flat, have seen him bowl. So he’s got a lot of skill and he’s batting well too, so he’s a good package. If he gets a chance, he’ll definitely do a great job.”

Smith, on the other hand, acknowledged the threat posed by Scott Boland, particularly his pace, control and ability to maintain checking lengths on English pitches. However, he noted that Boland has played only one Test away from home, which was against India in Nagpur earlier this year, and is yet to take a wicket outside Australia in the Test format. Smith acknowledged Boland’s skills and the challenges he faced when selected for the playing XI.

“I think we will get what Scotty does. He hits a good length, hits it over the stumps, seams the ball, swings it if he wants to and he’s got great skills too There’s no doubt he’ll be a challenge if he’s cleared,” Smith said. “I think it’s good to have an end date, if you want to go that way, but ultimately we all have to do our jobs and that’s scoring runs. It’s all our jobs. In a perfect world. I think David said when he would like to finish, but you have to score runs, all of us, so we’ll see what happens,” he concluded.

Regarding his own future in Test cricket, Smith chose not to provide any clarity, especially in light of David Warner’s recent statement that the match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground next year would put an end to his Test career. Would be an ideal ending. Smith stressed on the importance of all players focussing on performance and scoring runs. He stressed the need for everyone to fulfill their responsibilities keeping in mind the deadline and said that the future will unfold accordingly.