AUS v IND: Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri believes that even though legends Virat Kohli and Steve Smith have not been able to perform at their best so far, both these legends will be dangerous and capable of scoring runs in the remaining two Test matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Will be eager to take it.
Kohli and Smith are part of the famous ‘Fab 4’, which also includes Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Both Kohli and Smith have struggled with the bat in recent times. However, both have scored a century each in the first three Test matches of the current five-match series.
What did Shastri say on Kohli-Smith?
Shastri said in ‘ICC Review’-
I think based on the current form they (Kohli and Smith) have slipped down the rankings. Root is scoring runs continuously and Williamson is also batting better. Harry Brook has been fantastic of late and some of the other young players have impressed as well. However, both of them are world class players. In such a situation, you know he will be dangerous because he is eager to score runs.
Smith’s scores were 0, 17, two, 101 and four in five innings, while Kohli has scored 126 runs at an average of 31.50, including an unbeaten 100 in the Perth Test. Smith returned with the 33rd century of his career in the Brisbane Test. Shastri believes that both these players are capable of making a comeback with their strong mentality.
He said that the Indians need to show patience and discipline in the upcoming fourth Test at the MCG. Shastri said-
From Smith you saw what was needed. He may have struggled in the beginning, but he was ready for defensive and disciplined batting. I think the same with Virat also. If Virat passes 30, 40 minutes in a disciplined manner, I don’t think he will have any problem in scoring runs.
Let us tell you that the 5-match Border Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1. India won the first match, Australia came back and won the second, while the third Test in Brisbane was a draw.
