Smith under no pressure to quit despite team’s slump

▶ Australia captain plays it cool ahead of second ODI in India

Steve Smith yesterday dismissed suggestions his captaincy was under threat after a string of disappointing performances by the once all-conquering Australian side.

Smith’s men were recently tested in a two-Test series against Bangladesh that ended 1-1, after going down 2-1 to India in March.

Their form in the 50-over-game also seems to have taken a dip with Australia failing to make it to the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in England this year.

The team are looking to level the five-ODI series after losing the opener to India on Sunday despite a flying start.

Former captain Michael Clarke, who is part of the TV commentary team for the series, on Tuesday said Smith’s captaincy was under the scanner although his batting had been outstanding throughout.

“I don’t think so. I’m not in a bad place with my captaincy,” Smith said when asked to comment on Clarke’s remark.

“Obviously results haven’t been the way we would have liked and that’s something we are trying to rectify.

“It was a disappointing start to the series the other day [but] we’ve got the other game tomorrow to turn things around,” he said ahead of the second match in Kolkata today.

Australia had India reeling at 87-5 in Chennai before Hardik Pandya hit a quickfire fifty.

The spinners then ensured an easy win for the hosts in the rain-hit tie.

The tourists finished at 137-9 in 21 overs while chasing a revised target of 164.

“Obviously, the other day it was more like a T20 game for us, especially while we were batting,” Smith said.

“I think if we had 50 overs, the guys would have had a chance to get into their groove and play with the right tempo.

“[But] we still believe in these guys. We think they’ve got a lot of talent and we’ve got a team here that can hopefully challenge India in the next couple of games.”

Australia won the 2015 World Cup but have since struggled to make a mark.

The upcoming ODI will be Smith’s 100th match since he made his debut in 2010 as a leg-spinner before making his mark as one of the best batsmen in world cricket.

“I’ve been batting at No 3 now for a while now. I had to find the right tempo for the game, whether it’s hitting boundaries or finding the right time to hit a right boundary,” he said.

“You learn as you play. It’s pretty exciting to play my 100th game.”

Smith, who has a Test average of a little less than 60, has accumulated 3,188 runs in 99 ODIs with the help of eight centuries.