Premier Australia batter Steve Smith has provided an update on Cameron Green’s availability for the first Test match against India in Nagpur. Green sustained a finger injury during Boxing Day Test against South Africa last year. The upcoming four-match Test series is crucial for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship final. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald, earlier, hinted that Green might play as a pure batter in the series opener.
However, Smith has suggested that Green might miss the Nagpur Test as he revealed that the all-rounder has not even faced fast bowlers in the nets so far.
“I don’t think he’s even faced fast-bowling yet, so I dare say he won’t be playing, but who knows. I don’t even know what he’s done at training, I was sort of focusing on my work. We’ll wait and see but it’s unlikely I think,” Smith said the press conference after Tuesday’s net session.
The Aussie batter further talked about the challenge Australia will face against the spinners in the four-match Test series as he suggested that a solid plan in required to take on Indian spinners.
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“If you don’t go in with a plan against their spinners, for instance, and you’re just having a look, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself back in the shed before you figure out what to do. So having a plan straight up is important.
Australia have flew in Baroda’s Mahesh Pithiya – an 18-year-old off-spinner whose bowling action is quite similar to that of Ravichandran Ashwin who is expected to cause trouble for the visitors in the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Smith also revealed the advice he got from former players who have played in sub-continent conditions.
“Basically what I’ve been told from previous guys who’ve been on sub-continent tours is to be brave and play shots instead of just trying to defend because you’re probably just going to get yourself out anyway,” he added.
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Talking about the Nagpur pitch, Smith suggested that the left-arm spinners will get some assistance from the surface against the left-handed batters.
“Pretty dry, particularly one end. I think it will take a bit of spin, particularly the left-arm spinner taking it into our left-handers. There’s a section there that’s quite dry. Other than that, I can’t really get a good gauge on it.
“I don’t think there will be a heap of bounce in the wicket, I think it will be quite skiddy for the seamers and maybe a bit of up-and-down movement as the game goes on. The cracks felt quite loose. I’m not entirely sure – we’ll wait and see,” he added.
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