Smith backing misfiring duo
NATHAN Lyon and Mitchell Starc must rediscover their missing mojos if Australia is to strike gold today in its exhausting quest for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
In an alarming sight for Australia, Starc appeared to be grabbing at his hamstring during and following his one over at India last night, but Steve Smith backed the left-armer to play through injury “and get the job done”.
Lyon has had a quiet series by his standards, but three wickets on day five at the Gabba would not only clinch him his coveted 400 wicket milestone in his 100th Test, but would drive Australia a long way towards a famous Test victory.
With just seven wickets at an average of 58.71 runs per wicket – it is one of the driest series of Lyon’s career.
But Smith’s assessment of the wicket, is Brisbane will offer the bowlers plenty more than Sydney’s fifth day pitch, which seemed to flatten out.
Lyon is once again the man Australia are turning to, and he has the added weight on his shoulders of this being his milestone Test.
The off-spinner couldn’t bowl Australia to victory on the final day in Sydney, but Smith believes there’s a crack opening up at the Gabba that will be in Lyon’s wheelhouse.
“There’s a nice crack forming outside the right handers off stump that he’ll be looking to aim at I assume,” said Smith.
“It’s a nice line. I think if he hits good areas consistently tomorrow, there’s certainly no reason why he can’t create some chances on a day five wicket that’s for sure.”
Smith has also backed rookie Cameron Green to play a major role with the ball in the home straight of the series with everything on the line, despite the fact he’s yet to take a wicket in Test cricket.
“He might be quite a handful with the ball. Just his extra height and those cracks coming into play,” said Smith.
“Firstly I think he can take his first wicket in Test cricket which I know he’s pretty eager to get, but I think he might be in for a pretty reasonable day.”
Smith said he wasn’t sure of Starc’s physical condition, after the fast bowler looked grumpy following his one and only over to open the innings.
Starc, like Lyon, hasn’t been at his brilliant best this series, but Smith backed in the 30year-old’s toughness.
“I saw the same thing when he was walking back, he was grabbing at his right hamstring,” said Smith. “I’m sure he’ll get it assessed by the medical staff and one thing I know about Mitchell is he’s tough.”