Senior batsman Steve Smith is expected to enjoy an incredible Test series against India, according to all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Smith had previously stated that he is ready to play the Test series against India and might enter the Test match if it begins this week. Smith made his comeback to international cricket with a strong 44 in the first ODI against Pakistan.
Maxwell on Smith
Smith looked very sharp against Pakistan in the first ODI match, according to Maxwell, a key member of the Australian white-ball team, who discussed the player on ESPNcricinfo.
"Steve Smith looks really crisp with his footwork and his timing and his movement looked in sync. He looked like he was unfazed by everything that was thrown at him. There were a couple of balls on the green off the length and he was able to deal with them quite easily. And I suppose that's a really good sign of someone who is focused on the job and really in tune with their technique," Maxwell said on Around the Cricket show on ESPN.
"To see him over the last week, putting in so many hours in training sort of says why he is one of the best players in the world. He is never satisfied. For the way he came out and bat the way he did, there was a nice moment where he hit a cover drive and you could see him looking at the big screen and give himself the nod of approval and that is a sign of him working on his tecnhnique and it is a scary proposition for this summer ahead," he further added.
Smith eager to play Tests
Smith said he was eager to participate and, if permitted, may play a Test match in the first week of November following Australia's victory over Pakistan in the first ODI. At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the former captain of Australia hit 44 runs off 46 balls. Smith's decision to start as opener in David Warner's absence has made him a hot topic in Test cricket lately. Smith discontinued the experiment and chose to revert to his starting No. 4 spot after failing to produce impressive performances in the series against the West Indies. As Australia attempts to earn a spot in the WTC Final, which will be held at Lord's next year, the batter's performance will be crucial.
"My last week in preparation has been really good. I feel like I'm in a nice place and moving really well, I'm really balanced at the crease, and I feel like my bat's coming down a nice plane. So I was happy with the way about it tonight. It would be nice to have been out there a little bit longer," Smith told SEN Radio after Australia's win in the 1st ODI vs Pakistan.
"I'm ready. I'm ready now. Yeah, I could go out and play a Test match tomorrow, so I feel like I'm in a good place. I've had a really good week of training, came down here early and had a few hits. And I was just trying to get a few things right that I felt like I didn't quite have in sync. And it all just clicked. And I feel like I'm in a good place now," Smith added.
