Australian captain Steve Smith (right) and Indian batter Virat Kohli. File photo.
| Photo Credit: V.V. Krishnan
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India draws close, Australian batter Steve Smith opened up on his bond with star India batter Virat Kohli, revealing that they often exchange text messages and pointed out the reason why his Indian counterpart is an “Australian.”
The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.
Speaking about Virat, Smith said on Star Sports, “We get on quite well, and share messages now and again. Look, he is a great guy and a wonderful player. So, it will be nice to come up against him again this summer.”
Smith remarked that Virat is an Australian “in thoughts and action”.
“The way he gets into it all the way, and gets into the challenge and tries to get on top of the opposition. He is probably the most Australian of the Indian players, I would say,” he added.
On competing with Virat as a batter, Smith said that he does not think like that, rather, Australia’s success is paramount.
“There is no real, I need to beat him or anything like that. It is just about going out and playing and trying to score as many runs as I can and helping Australia have success. That is what it’s all about,” he added.
Smith and Virat are among the ‘Fab Four’ batters of the modern era, alongside England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
In 109 Tests, Smith has scored 9,685 runs at an average of 56.97, with 32 centuries and 41 fifties in 195 innings. His best score is 239. On the other hand, Virat has scored 8,848 runs in 113 Tests and 191 innings at an average of 49.15, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His best score is 254.
A heartfelt moment between the two tough rivals came during the 2019 World Cup, when Virat stopped the crowd from booing at Smith over the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ saga. Smith later appreciated the gesture and thanked the former Indian skipper for the same.
Virat’s Test record in Australia is prolific, scoring 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Tests, with six centuries and four fifties in 25 innings. His best score is 169. Overall in 25 Tests against Australia, he has scored 2,042 runs at an average of 47.48, with eight centuries and five fifties in 44 innings.
On the other hand, Smith is the ninth-highest run-getter in the BGT history. In 18 matches and 35 innings, he has scored 1,887 runs at an average of 65.06, with eight centuries and five fifties. His best score is 192.
The second Test, scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format under the stadium’s lights. After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18.
The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.
The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.
Published – September 10, 2024 04:44 pm IST
Content Source: www.thehindu.com