IND vs AUS: Steve Smith Opines on Ahmedabad Pitch for the 4th Test

Veteran Australia player Steve Smith said that the Ahmedabad pitch will be the flattest track before the fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts on Thursday, March 9. The stand-in Australian captain, however, added that the pitch could crack to assist the spinners as the day progresses as well.

Speaking to reporters, Smith said: “Looks like probably of the four wickets we’ve seen so far, potentially the flattest on Day 1. Having said that, it’s I think 38 degrees out there at the moment, it’s pretty hot. Looks like it’ll dry out as the day goes on. One of the groundsmen said they might be watering it again today. So yeah, we’ll wait and see but in terms of the day before, it certainly looks like it’s likely to do less on Day 1 than we’ve seen so far.”

However, Steve Smith also gave the hint that Australia would opt to bat and score a big total if they win the toss. He said: “There might be opportunities for bigger totals on this wicket.”

The veteran will also look to ensure Australia level the series 2-2 after guiding them to a nine-wicket win against India in Indore as well and they have sealed their place in the final of the WTC as well.

“We can only play what’s in front of us” – Steve Smith

Steve Smith also responded smartly when questioned about the pitches in the last three Tests. He also clarified that, unlike the Australian media, the visiting team has not complained about the tracks on offer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy so far as well. He added:

“We can only play what’s in front of us and it’s been those types of wickets where if you get up over 200 even it’s been a decent total. We’re not fussed or anything, we’ve never complained or anything about the wickets, we go out and play. I’ve said personally I enjoy playing on these types of wickets. It’s good fun, there’s something always happening and I prefer to play on that than a genuine road.”

Steve Smith further shared that even 70s would be a decent score on these tracks. On the other hand, Steve Smith will look to finally deliver in the fourth Test after scoring just 97 runs in the last three Tests at an average of 24.25. He said:

“On these wickets, that we’re playing on, the 70s and 80s are winning you games of cricket as we’ve seen. Even quick-fire 30s can change momentum like we saw from Shreyas Iyer in the second innings in the last game… those little cameos can be important in low-scoring games.”