After a dominating performance at Pune where they routed India by 333 runs, Australia have opted to retain the same XI for the second Test at Bangalore starting tomorrow. Skipper Steve Smith confirmed Australia’s decision to not tinker with the playing XI on the eve of the game in a pre-match press conference. The New South Wales star displayed full confidence in his side and backed them to do well.

Bangalore traditionally has been considered to be a good deck for batting and is among the most sporting pitches in India. Known for offering respectable bounce for the pacers, the performances of ace pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will be critical for the plans of Australia. Starc can use his IPL experience of playing at this very venue to enrich his game.

Smith seemed optimistic about the wicket and mentioned that it would assist the pacers.

“It looks a little bit different to the last one in Pune,” Smith said. “I think they were going to cut a little bit more of the grass off, but it looks like a wicket that will have a bit more pace and carry as the game goes on.” “It will take a bit more spin, but it looks like a wicket that is quite similar to what England played on recently where first innings runs are going to be crucial. “If you can go big in the first innings it will set the team up.”

“I think this one is more likely going to be one where we are going to have to go really big, but it could be totally different. “It could play totally different to what we think at the moment. “It’s about being able to sum it up and being adaptable and being able to communicate straight away what we think the wicket is like,” the centurion of the first Test added.

Australia XI for Second Test: