Australian star batter Steve Smith expressed concerns over the growing T20 leagues in the World, as many experts claim that franchise tournaments around the world would lead to the downfall of the longer format of the game in the near future and he highlighted the recent excitement for red-ball around the world, with teams redefining the test cricket.
Steve Smith will be the player to watch for in World Test Championship final and Ashes 2023, as he can do the damage with the bat for his side against high-quality bowling attacks, and the former Australian skipper would come into the contest with some match in the county championship and would like to prove his mettle in the highest level.
Speaking ahead of the WTC final against India, Steve Smith opened the future of test cricket amidst growing franchise T20 leagues and said being a traditionalist he wants the cricket boards to prioritize the longer format of the game for some time in the international arena.
“Yeah, I am slightly concerned, But yeah, hopefully, Test cricket still stays alive and well. I think it’s in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games, we’ve seen recently have been pretty amazing.
“So, yeah, for me as, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board’s minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Steve Smith said.
The right-handed batter feels that the World Test Championship final is a vital one-off test for their side, as the two best teams from International cricket participate for the championship title after two years long hard work in the home and away games, and is excited for the games against India starting on Wednesday.
“Oh, I mean it’s really important. I think the WTC now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that’s great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it’s what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one and yeah the guys are looking forward to it.”
Steve Smith is set to play a massive role for Australia as they look for their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) title in London, as he has been regarded as one of the modern-day batters for their country to play the longer format of the game with a staggering average of 59.81.
I Think The Dukes Ball Suits Them Nicely – Steve Smith On Indian Bowling Attack
Steve Smith is aware of the Indian fast bowling attack for the WTC finals and hailed Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj for their bowling in red-ball cricket and also said that India has got spinners, who can bowl well in any conditions and also contribute with the bat for their side.
“I think they’ve got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, are probably the two main guys who have really good skills and I think the Duke’s ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowled well in all conditions. So, I think they’re a good attack,” Steve Smith concluded.
Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial for India’s chances against Australia, as they would like to make full use of the England conditions. Both pacers have been the mainstay in India’s bowling attack especially in the absence of India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and they will look to continue their fine form from the IPL into the WTC Final.