While considering the numbers and the performance, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke, before the start of the bilateral series against India, believes the host’s skipper Virat Kohli is a better batsman than visitors captain Steven Smith in the limited-overs’ format.
“In limited-overs cricket, I think Virat is ahead of Steve, but just by that much,” Clarke was quoted as saying by TOI.
However, the 36-year-old New South Wales-born middle-order batsman Clarke was quick to admit that the promising skipper Smith is a better player when it comes to the five-day format.
“Smith I believe is a better Test batsman,” Clarke added.
It’s pertinent to mention the hosts are in commanding position after routing Sri Lankan in the recently concluded bilateral series.
On the other side, Australia has struggled due to the inconsistency and players have received injuries including the pace potent Mitchell Starc and then Josh Hazlewood.
Clarke, who has been at the vanguard for Australia reiterated many would like to discuss to its length and breadth about Virat and Smith, but he feels the side registering the win has a significant role to play in the competition.
“I think over the next few days, everybody would want to speak about Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli but at the end of the day, it comes down to one thing, and that is the team that wins,” Clarke said.
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While talking about the growing stature Virat and Smith has shown a lot of promise while leading their respective sides, as the former has taken the honors for delivering the desired results for Men in Blue particularly in chasing down the targets.
“It doesn’t matter who makes the runs – Kohli or Smith. At the end of the day, your job as a captain is to win. Two young captains, two very good players and they both continue to improve,” Clarke maintained.
Clarke added the visiting team has a potential to give their best owing to the experience of senior players while playing in India during the widely acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL).
“It obviously makes it easier for the Aussies to be familiar with the conditions. These players now, being involved in the IPL, for them India is like a second home,” Clarke asserted.
Concluding, India on paper is being termed as favorites in the bilateral series.
The first match of the five-match One-day International series is scheduled from September 17 (Sunday) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
India-Australia are also scheduled to play three-match Twenty20 Internationals which will be beginning from October 7 at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.