Steve Smith may need a little more time to adapt to subcontinental circuits but his poor returns in the first two ODIs against India are the least worrying for the Australian team’s management, senior speedster Mitchell Starc said on Tuesday. Smith is usually a prolific scorer against India and has scores of 0 and 41 in the first two ODIs on batting-friendly tracks, having flopped earlier in the Test series in February-March when he could manage just 145 runs in four Tests. Starc, who is himself returning from a groin problem, was speaking ahead of the third and final ODI scheduled for Wednesday. “No. His (Smith) numbers speak for themselves,” Starc responded to a question about Smith’s current form.
“He (Smith) has been a high-class player and has been a big part of all formats for Australia, so you don’t worry about that. “It’s the adjustment factor, coming back to India after a series in South Africa, some guys are coming off. a break,” Starc told reporters here ahead of Australia’s training at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium.
Starc, who could make a comeback in the third game, then underlined the reasons for Australia’s back-to-back defeats in Mohali and Indore.
“I think we saw the wickets change in both matches depending on who batted first and in different places. Spin was a huge factor in the second innings recently (in Indore). We played quite well under lights in Mohali,” Starc said.
The left-arm pacer said conditions continue to prove challenging for the Australian touring party, which includes some new faces such as left-arm bowler Spencer Johnson.
“We have a lot of guys with IPL experience, we know the wickets will be very different night and day depending on which part of India we are playing in – not too many grounds we have played back to back so conditions will play a role “, he said.
Starc admitted Rohit Sharma’s India are favorites to win the World Cup, while adding that adaptability will be key for Australia to find its form.
“We’ve used quite a wide selection of players, whether it’s managing players or players coming back from injury, trying different combinations and what not,” he said.
The pacer admitted that Australia’s current form is not ideal ahead of a major event.
“It’s clear that this is not a position we want to be in in the run-up to the World Cup, but it is enough to play for tomorrow. What the composition of our team looks like, what we want to take into our World Cup campaign. ” Starc believes that the third ODI and the two subsequent warm-up matches will give them enough time to prepare for the actual tournament.
“We’ve had two more chances after this match, before the World Cup. Another chance to get used to the conditions and adapt to what awaits us against probably the favorites for the World Cup. It’s a big day for both teams.” tomorrow,” Starc added.
“Maxwell on track,” says Starc
Like him, Starc said that Glenn Maxwell also has his sights set on the World Cup.
“He (Maxwell) is also on the right track. I’m not sure of his specific timeline, but I’m sure he’ll try to make an impact once he gets his chance,” Starc said.
“He has a wealth of experience here through IPL, through multiple tours. He is definitely an x-factor no matter which team he plays for. This is his third one-day World Cup, he is an x-factor for us who can play the game On?
“His ability with the ball, especially in these conditions, also adds another option in the bowling department. He seems in good spirits, (but) his return, I’m not sure what that looks like for this week, but definitely on course for the World Cup,” Starc added. PTI KHS KHS
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