India and Australia are nearly nine days away from squaring off in the first Test in Pune, and visiting captain Steven Smith has said he is ready to take on the hosts, verbally. Having known to use this mantra in the best manner compared to all, Australia won’t mind saying some provoking words to get on the nerves of Indian players.
Believed to have taken down opponents in past without using the cricketing tools, the Baggy Green players know how and when to pull the trigger. India, who have faced Australia numerous times before, know how well they (Australia) can play the cards and get on top of their opponents.
Not to forget the recently happened incident during India’s tour Down Under in 2015, where Virat Kohli was seen in an act of verbal altercation with Australian bowlers, precisely Mitchell Johnson.
Speaking to the media during Australia’s first press session on the tour, Steven Smith said if his boys are willing for some verbal spat, then the signal is green, they can.
“I think each of our individuals play the way they play and if they want to get into a battle verbally then, if that gets the best out of them, go for it.”
“It’s all about us making sure that as individuals we’re in the right mindset to go out and succeed and if guys want to get in those kind of battles then go for it. But in the end it’s about us playing on skill and making sure that our skills are in the best place for us to succeed in these conditions.”
Given the rich cricketing history of the country, Smith would also want his name to be embarked in record books, and his dream depends on the outcome of the series. If Smith side’s beats India, even if not convincingly, this Australian team will go down as one of the modern day dominaters, yet again.
“I think all of the guys are really excited about what’s to come in the next six weeks. It’s a great challenge to play here in India. We know that if we can pull something off and win a series here we’ll look back in 10-20 years and it will be some of the best time of our lives.”