Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith is hoping to lead his team to victory in the remaining two Test matches against India, after opener David Warner and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood were ruled out of the series due to injuries.
Warner suffered a fractured elbow and concussion in the previous match, while Hazlewood has returned home due to a persistent Achilles injury. The absence of these key players has added to Australia’s woes, as they already trail 2-0 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India having already retained the title.
With Warner and Hazlewood out, the responsibility to lead Australia’s batting and bowling attack has fallen on the experienced shoulders of Steve Smith, who is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. Smith has been in good form in the series so far, scoring a century in the first Test and a half-century in the second.
The upcoming matches in Sydney and Brisbane will be crucial for Australia’s hopes of salvaging the series. Smith will have to lead from the front and score big runs, while also marshaling the team’s inexperienced bowling attack. The Australian captain has admitted that it will be a tough challenge, but he is ready to take on the responsibility.
“I’m obviously stepping up in a difficult situation with Davey [Warner] and Josh [Hazlewood] out,” said Smith. “It’s a great opportunity for me to lead this group and hopefully, we can get a couple of wins in the next two Test matches.”
The Indian team, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominant performance in the series so far. They have been in excellent form, with their batsmen and bowlers both performing well. Captain Ajinkya Rahane will be looking to maintain his team’s momentum and secure a historic series win in Australia.
In conclusion, the upcoming Test matches between Australia and India will be crucial for both teams. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy already retained by India, Australia will be looking to salvage some pride by winning the remaining matches. Stand-in captain Steve Smith will play a key role in the team’s performance, and he will need to lead from the front to ensure his team’s success. The matches promise to be exciting, with both teams looking to put on a good show for cricket fans around the world.
