Steve Smith, who ended his 18-month century drought with a brilliant 101, opened up about his on-field chat with fellow centurion Travis Head, who scored a scintillating 152. The duo put Australia in command on the second day of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane with a 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
“I had a great seat at home to watch Travis at bat,” Smith told reporters.
‘Travis is consistently performing well. It is unbelievable how he puts pressure on the bowlers. Incredible batting. It is difficult for him to field,’ he said.
“We don’t really talk to each other much there. He just says, ‘Do your job.’ I say, ‘Do your job,’ and we move on. It’s good to witness that again, he’s a special player now,” Smith said.
In his emotional celebration, the 35-year-old said, “It’s good to get three points. It’s been a while. It’s good to contribute today. The last few games have been tough. I faced a good ball and took a catch on the leg side. I’m confident and will do something soon. Got lucky.”
“I have been changing my setup every game for the past 15 years. So this is nothing new. It was a bouncy track, so I was standing outside the crease with my left leg exposed. Obviously, I had some luck early on, which you need on these surfaces,” he explained of the tweak he made.
“I have played long enough that the game is different. Last time, I was unlucky down the leg side. Luck was with me today. Another day, I might have bowled one of those balls,” he continued.
Despite Akash Deep remaining wicketless, Steve Smith praised the Indian fast bowler.
“I thought Akash bowled really well, especially in that first spell. He was able to move the ball significantly. He bowled a really good length. He is a good bowler.
“It was the first time I faced him. He definitely has some skills. The Indian bowlers worked hard all day, to be fair,” he said.
“When the second new ball came, Jasprit came in and we know what he can do. “It was unfortunate to lose two wickets,” he added.
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