INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Shastri feels Steve Smith understands the game better than Cummins

Michael Clarke - Steve Smith

Pat Cummins flew back to Australia to meet his ailing mother. He thus missed the 3rd test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India. Steve Smith is captaining the side in his absence. 

Former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri feels that Steve has got the experience of leading the side in these conditions and understands the tempo of the game better than Cummins. 

Shastri feels that Smith has a better understanding of the game than Cummins and captaincy brings out the best of him. He said that the Australian batter thrives under pressure and likes the added responsibility. 

Shastri talks about Smith

“Australia do have a ready-made replacement at the top in Steve Smith. And I think that will work for them. The responsibility of captaincy seems to bring that different kind of mindset. His concentration levels seem far higher, and you just have to look at his batting average as captain. It is outstanding. He is one of those players who thrives on the extra workload of leading the side,” Shastri wrote in his column for The Age.

“There’s also the added element of how Smith will lead Australia here. He’s got a great understanding of Indian conditions, having led here before and also all the years he’s spent playing and captaining in the IPL. He understands the tempo of cricket in India better than what Cummins would have,” he added.

Smith led his side wonderfully in the third test as Australia bundled out India for just 109 runs after losing the toss. He made great bowling changes and was excellent with his field placements. 

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