Aggressive, positive approach will continue: Smith

Steve Smith might just be a Test old as captain but does seem to have his own way of making a point.

Asked about Australia’s ‘sledging plan’ for India in the third Test, Smith responded, “For us, it’s just about going out there and doing the same thing all the time. If they (the Indians) want to get on with that in the dressing room, that’s up to them.”

He added, “At the moment the Indians are doing that themselves. Among their group, they’re doing a lot of whingeing and complaining among themselves. They’re doing it all for us. Hopefully that can hinder them this week.”

The Australian captain said, “We’re still going to play positive, aggressive cricket. We know there’s a line there, so hopefully our players keep staying on the right side of it. We are not going to cross it and we are not going to change the way we play.”

Smith said he would lead the team his way. “I’m trying to just go on my own at the moment, go my way. I said last week I didn’t want to change too much because I think we’re heading in the right direction, and for these three Test matches it’s up to me to lead things and do things the way I wanted to. I’m kind of sticking it out on my own.”

Exciting week ahead

He was excited about leading Australia in a Boxing Day Test. “Every time you walk out here in a Boxing Day Test match, it’s an amazing feeling. To lead this side, it’s going to be an exciting week.”

Queried on the pitch, the Australian captain said, “The wicket looks like it has improved over the last couple of days. Hopefully we can win the toss and post a few on the board.” Smith said that Shane Watson, struggling for runs, would continue to bat at No. 3. “Joe Burns will come No. 6. It’s a big match for him. He just needs to enjoy it and play it like any other game.”

Check the over rate

Smith, who faces a possible ban if the Australians are pulled up for slow over rate again, said, “It was obviously a tough week last week. It was extremely hot [in Brisbane] and when the bowlers were going down on that first day I think that’s when I lost most of my time.

“I think we need to hustle through the overs as much as we can and try and make up as much time as we can there.

“I think Lyon is going to bowl a lot more overs out here, which will make things easier. I think we’ll be fine.”

The Aussie skippe1r said “A 4-0 result (in the series) would be nice but you have to take each game as it comes.”