Xtra Time Web Desk: The upcoming test series between India and Australia has all the ingredients to be a humdinger. With star players on both sides, the series is being billed as the most anticipated bilateral series post the COVID-19 pandemic. The top two ranked test teams will renew their rivalry in a full fledged series involving 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is and four test matches. Last time when these two sides met, Virat Kohli led Indian team won the series. The hosts did not have two of their best batsmen in David Warner and Steve Smith as they were serving a one year ban due to ball tampering.
Both Smith and Warner will be back for Australia. The former Australian captain is ready to take on the challenge imposed by the menacing Indian pace bowling attack. He has dared the lethal Indian fast bowling unit to bring on the short stuff in the upcoming marquee Test series, saying he has faced a lot of it in his life.
According to the former captain, trying short-pitched bowling against him could work in Australia’s favour.
“If teams are trying to get me out like that it’s probably a big benefit for the team because it takes a lot out of people’s bodies if you continually bowl short,” Smith told News Corp.
“I’ve faced a lot of short bowling in my life and I haven’t had too many stresses with it. I suppose we’ll just wait and see.”
Against New Zealand in the 2019-2020 season, Smith was dismissed by left-arm pacer Neil Wagner four times, as the Kiwi consistently attacked the batsman with short-pitched deliveries aimed at his body.
Smith, though, still managed to average nearly 43 in the three matches and wore the bowlers down with his dogged approach in the middle, helping the others to pile on the runs.
“It’s no dramas for me. I just play the game and sum up the conditions, how they’re trying to get me out and being able to counter that,” Smith said.
Indian play three ODIs, three T20s and four Tests starting November 27. The ODI and T20 series will be played in Sydney and Canberra from November 27 to December 8.