Smith bats for peace ahead of India ODI series

AUSTRALIAN captain Steve Smith is anxious to halt the acrimony that marked Test matches against India this year when the two powerhouses start a one- day international series tomorrow.

Smith had a much- publicised war of words with India counterpart Virat Kohli when Australia lost the Test series 2- 1 in March.

The combative Australian skipper said ahead of the first one- day clash in Chennai that he hoped the fivematch series would be played in “good spirit”.

During a Test in Bangalore this year, Kohli expressed displeasure after Smith looked up to his own dressing room -- where replays could be seen by teammates -- while deciding whether to challenge an lbw dismissal.

Players are not allowed to have outside input while challenging an umpire’s decision.

While Smith later apologised for his self- admitted “brain fade” moment, Kohli slammed the Australians at the last press conference of the series in Dharamsala.

“I think it will be played in good spirit. It is a hard- fought contest playing against India,” Smith said of the upcoming series which also features three Twenty20 matches.

“I am not too concerned about the differences with Kohli. He is obviously a very good player and has a phenomenal ODI record.

“Hopefully, we can keep him quiet as much as possible in this series. If we do that then hopefully it can go a long way in us having success.”