IND VS AUS: On Thursday, the much-awaited Test series between Australia and India began in Nagpur (February 9). The World Test Championship’s top two positions will be decided by the series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 is set to feature a healthy rivalry between Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, two current batting greats. Steve Smith spoke with Hindustan Times prior to the first game of the series. And denied any sense of rivalry between him and Kohli.
IND VS AUS: “We Just Go Out And Play”: Steve Smith
“No, I don’t think so. I’m not sure whether he thinks there is or not. I’m not entirely sure what I certainly feel like it. We just go out and play the game and try and do the best for our team. Yeah, hopefully, score some runs along the way to help us have success. That’s the main goal for me. I don’t feel like I’m batting against anyone or anything like that and trying to compare myself to any other batters. I just wanna go out there and do my job and hopefully help the team have success.”
Steve Smith stated
While Smith praised Kohli for his incredible achievements over the years, he expressed concern over how many runs the star India batsman would amass against them in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
IND VS AUS: Virat Kohli And Steve Smith’s Faceoff
“I think the way he’s able to take the bowlers on, really put them under pressure. I think that’s a huge strength of his. He scored runs all around the world. His ability is to score on both sides of the wicket. He’s patient when he needs to be and he’s been an amazing player for a very long time in all formats of the game. So, hopefully, for us, this series, he doesn’t score too many. But you know, when he gets going, he is one of the best batters to watch in the world.”
Smith said
The Indian cricket community, led by batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, criticized Australia’s stance in response to the outlandish charges. The two team captains, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins didn’t make a big deal about the weather. And advised everyone to concentrate on the game of cricket instead. However, those conversations took place away from the playing field.
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, are two modern-era greats who will try to establish their dominance on the field right away. Will compete in a healthy way throughout the series. Although Kohli has been in excellent form, the lengthier format will need a much better performance from him. Given the favourable home conditions, Team India has won the last three Border-Gavaskar Trophies. Will enter the series as the favorite. A few ex-Australian players have even claimed that India “doctored” it in the talk before the titanic match between the two giants.
