Steve Smith sported a smile after Australia’s victory here in his first Test as captain.
Smith was all praise for Mitchell Johnson’s star turn with the ball after his exploits with the bat on day three.
“He certainly turned it on today for that little spell that cracked the game open for us,” the Australia captain said.
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Asked about the Indian ploy to sledge Johnson, Smith replied, “It probably isn’t too wise, isn’t it?”
On Johnson’s crucial contribution with the bat in the first innings, Smith said, “It was just outstanding the way he came out and batted in the first innings and took the bowlers on. It got them off their lengths a little bit. It probably helped me up the other end as well. That was a big turning point in the game, to get that partnership there with Mitch.”
Smith said the pitch at the ’Gabba hadn’t deteriorated. “The wicket’s still pretty good. The boys went after the bowling to get runs quickly.”
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On the injuries to David Warner (thumb) and Mitchell Marsh (hamstring) he said, “Knowing Warner, he would be pretty eager to get slotted in on Boxing Day. Mitchell, we will have to assess his fitness and take a call before the third Test.”
While he acknowledged Josh Hazlewood’s performance on debut, Smith complimented Shane Watson for his bowling in the second innings. “I thought Watson built some outstanding pressure through the innings,” he said.
Asked about Australia fielding two pace-bowling all-rounders, Watson and Mitchell Marsh, in the eleven when it already had three specialist pacemen, Smith said, “The fact they can bat and bowl gives us more options. Mitchell Marsh can touch speeds close to 140kmph.”
Smith said the Australian team would celebrate the same way as it did under Michael Clarke.