Smith for good spirit, hopes to keep Virat quiet
CHENNAI : Australia skipper 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 Sunday.
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 five-match 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 a leg before 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 Aussies at the last series press conference 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.
KEY TO SUCCESS
“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 on this tour,” he added.
Former captain Michael Clarke also saw a “carrot” for the Australians, who will topple South Africa from top spot in the ODI table if they can beat India 4-1. A reverse result will make India number one.
The tourists, coming out of a tough two-Test series in Bangladesh that ended 1-1, are confident of doing well against the in-form hosts.