Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has reacted to Allan Border’s “strong comments” on Steve Smith. The former Australia captain had lashed out at Smith for showing a thumbs-up to Ravindra Jadeja after being beaten by the left-arm spinner during the 1st test in Nagpur.

The Aussie batter during his interaction with Fox Cricket was unhappy with Steve smith signaling thumbs-up to Ravindra Jadeja

“Play with a harder edge. I mean, we’re giving blokes the thumbs up when they’re beating us outside the off stump,”

“What the hell is going on? That is just ridiculous. Don’t go stupid, but Australia plays hard-nosed cricket. We’re even giving someone thumbs up … bloody hell” Border had Said

Smith finished unbeaten on 25 as Australia was rolled for 91, its lowest Test total in India, suffering innings and 132 run defeat.

In response to Border, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey defended his teammate Steve smith stating that it is the way smith plays and probably that keeps him focused on the game

“We highly respect Allan Border, I guess among the group, guys do it differently. We come up against these players a lot.”

I Think That’s Probably What Gets Him Pretty Focused – Alex Carey

Alex Carey further went on to add that it was a strong comment against Steve Smith, but as a group, there wanted to take lessons from the 1st Test and do well in the 2nd Test.

“He’s mates with a lot of them. And that’s the way he (Smith) plays. He does it in all situations. He plays around with his hands and does all that stuff. And I think that’s probably what gets him pretty focused. They’re strong comments but, as a group, we believe in what we’re doing, and come to the second Test we’re ready to put a few learnings into place.” Carey further added

The second Test match between India and Australia starts on February 17 in Delhi. A win in the match will see India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.