Win Projections to be updated soon
Australian captain Steve Smith is currently leading the side in the Test series in Bangladesh. Prior to the game, he shared his views on the inclusion of the young left-arm spinner Ashton Agar in the squad. There was a criticism of the selection committee due to the exclusion of Steven O’Keefe who did so well against India earlier this year.
But Smith backed Agar and reckons he has a bright future. He also expressed his desire to win in India during his tenure. Australia had lost 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2017 but Smith reckons winning in India is of prime importance in his career.
“He’s come a long way,” Smith said about Agar as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. “For us, it’s more looking to the future. Ashton has obviously been on the radar for a long time and someone we see as having a pretty bright future. Four years’ time back in India it’s something I want to achieve while I’m captain. I want to win in India, that’s big on my bucket list.”
Another player who has been in Australia’s scheme of things for a long time is Usman Khawaja. He has been picked in the squad for several tours but was mostly found warming the benches. Smith reckons it’s time that he gets a regular chance in the team.
“Usman obviously hasn’t played any cricket since the Sydney Test match, that was his last game and that was a long time ago. We need to get him back into the fold and get him playing cricket again,” he added.
Learnt a lot in India
During the tour to India earlier this year, Australia presented a strong competition to the hosts. They were the only side that managed to win a Test match in India’s long home run. The charge was led by the skipper himself who batted beautifully throughout the series. Smith said he learnt a lot during his stay in India.
“Something I learned a lot about in India as a captain, in particular, was knowing the different tempos of the game and when to attack a little bit more. It’s been a good learning experience for me. I think the key to winning overseas is to ensure that you’re adapting consistently and putting those performances on the board consistently,” Steve Smith said.
