On the Eve of the first of the four-match Test series which will commence from Thursday in Pune, Australian skipper during a presser had dismissed the former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh’s statement that visitors’ would lose the series by 4-0 and if played well it would be 3-0 scoreline against Virat Kohli-led India.
After coming from the four Test wins at home in which three came against Pakistan and one against South Africa, Smith is confident to go in the challenging series on a high note.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I don’t believe that’s the case. I’m confident in the squad and we’ve got here to compete against India,” Smith was quoted as saying by PTI.
However, the 27-year-old batsman Smith, who is averaging 60.15 in Tests was candid in saying there would be a tough challenge ahead during the longer version of the game.
“No doubt it’s going to be a difficult series. India has played some very good cricket off late, particularly at home. So we’re under no illusions there, it’s going to be tough. But we’ve got the squad here that can compete in these conditions,” Smith said.
In head to head contests so far, Australia and India played 90 Tests in which Australia had an upper hand by winning 40 Tests and India won 24. The 25 Tests were drawn games with one as a tie.
“But I guess what I want to see from my boys is ability to adapt to the plans we have in place, show some fight and resilience in tough situations,” Smith added.
Smith remarked they would like to implement a different set of skills during the game to overcome the difficult phases in the Test series against a well settled unit at home.
“Yes, I guess we are the underdogs in this series. You hear comments like Harbhajan who expect us to lose 4-0. That’s not how we feel. We want to compete here against India,” Smith further added.
Following the tradition in away games, Smith would announce his team at the toss after examining the condition of the pitch which also plays its part during the game. However, he has described it very ‘dry’.
“We don’t have a team as yet. We’ll wait until the toss to announce that. But we’ve got a few options, got a very big squad here to cover all options,” Smith revealed.
In 46 Tests in India, Australia managed to win 12 matches and India won 19. The other 14 games were drawn and one remained a tie.