Australia cricketer Steve Smith has expressed his views on the primary threats in India’s bowling attack for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ahead of the clash between India and Australia at The Oval from June 7 to 11, Smith highlighted the prowess of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, emphasizing their skill with seam and swing, which are expected to play a crucial role in the English conditions.
Steve Smith also acknowledged that the Dukes ball would favor the Indian bowlers, and Australia would need to perform well against them. In a pre-match press conference, Smith stated, “They have got a good mix of quality seam bowlers, with Shami and Siraj probably their two main guys. They have really good skills and the Dukes ball will suit them nicely.”
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He further added, “And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl well in all conditions. So I think they have a good attack and we are going to have to play well against them this week.”
The World Test Championship final is scheduled to commence at 10:30 am local time (3 PM IST) on June 7. With Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the final, Smith expressed his support for Michael Neser and Scott Boland, suggesting they could make an impact if selected. Smith showed confidence in Neser’s abilities and praised his performance when they faced each other during Neser’s stint with Glamorgan.
“(I’ve got) so much faith, he (Neser) is a quality performer,” Steve Smith said. “I faced him against Glamorgan a couple of weeks ago, and he bowled beautifully. He has got great skills and he’s added some of the inswingers we have seen him bowl when the wicket is a bit flatter. So he has got loads of skills and is batting nicely as well, so he is a great package. If he gets an opportunity, he will certainly do a very good job.”
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Regarding Scott Boland, who has played only one Test outside Australia and is yet to take a wicket in Test cricket overseas, Smith expressed his confidence in Boland’s abilities. He described Boland’s strengths, including hitting a good length, targeting the top of the stumps, and skillfully swinging and seaming the ball when required. Smith acknowledged that Boland would pose a challenge if given the opportunity to play.
“I think we will get what Scotty does pretty well,” Steve Smith said. “He hits a good length, hits the top of the stumps, seams the ball around, swings it if he wants to, and he has got great skills as well. No doubt he will be a challenge if he gets the nod.”
