Smith’s vow for greater control
STEVE Smith has vowed to pull his players into line as the captain responded to stinging criticism of Australia’s on-field reputation.
Victory in the second Test starting tonight will give Australia a stranglehold on the series, but Smith concedes his side let its behavioural standards slip last week in Durban and is determined to try to reverse the perception of his team as “ugly Aussies”.
Former Test captain Ian Chappell declared Smith should have been held accountable by the ICC for the actions of David Warner and his players in the first Test, while Adam Gilchrist implored the current players to realise their penchant for aggressive cricket doesn’t necessarily translate well to fans at home.
Smith defended the conduct of his side by pointing to the fact Australia has had only three code of conduct charges against it compared with South Africa’s seven since the system was introduced.
However, the skipper said Australia did cross the line in Durban and revealed he has sat down his team to reiterate what is acceptable.
“I think we’ll be able to get our troops in order,” said Smith, who was due to meet South African counterpart Faf du Plessis for peace talks.
“I obviously brought the boys together and told them it wasn’t ideal the things that happened last week [ and said] let’s move on from that and focus on our skill.
“Make sure we’re playing them on skill and not letting emotions get in the way of what we’re trying to achieve.
“As captain you take responsibility for your team and what’s going on, so I do take responsibility for that.
“Whether I could have done anything to change the events of what happened in the last Test, I’m not sure. But I do take responsibility.”
Smith raised his disappointment with the fact South Africa had failed to put its hand up for what Quinton de Kock said to Warner in the now infamous stairwell incident.
But after a planned meeting with du Plessis and match referee Jeff Crowe, Smith hopes his players can put the whole drama behind them and focus on going 2-0 up in the fourmatch series.
There has been little sympathy for the Australians on social media or from several former greats. But Smith feels his players are harshly judged for the way they carry themselves on the field.