Indian bowlers who might be biggest challenge for Steve Smith in the Test series

The hosts' bowling attack, despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, poses a strong danger, particularly the troika of spinners scheduled to enter the field. Let us take a look at the Indian bowlers who might cause trouble to Smith.

Steve Smith remains unbeaten on the 1st day of 2nd Ashes (Image: Twitter)
By Kshitij Ojha | Feb 6, 2023 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Australian batter Steve Smith is one of the most serious challenges to India’s legendary home record. The Australians are currently the world’s top-ranked Test team, and the former captain has played a significant role in the team’s progress over the last few years. He experienced a little fall in form by his usual lofty standards but returned to form with a magnificent home season. Aside from red-ball cricket, he is establishing himself as an all-rounder with a promising tenure in the Big Bash League (BBL). Smith will undoubtedly play a key part in Australia winning their first series in India since 2004. When it comes to fighting spin bowling, he is arguably the greatest player in the Australian contingent, holding the aces against a solid Indian bowling outfit. The hosts’ bowling attack, despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, poses a strong danger, particularly the troika of spinners scheduled to enter the field. Let us take a look at the Indian bowlers who might cause trouble to Smith.

Axar Patel

The brilliant all-rounder made a historic start to his Test career. Previously considered simply a backup to Ravindra Jadeja, he is now arguably on par with his senior counterpart in terms of bowling. He already boasts a long list of skilled batsmen on his wicket list, having taken Joe Root’s wicket three times during England’s 2021 tour of India. Axar Patel’s changing release locations from a height, causing bounce, could be difficult to deal with in subcontinent circumstances. While he is not a great ball turner in most instances, his ability to get the ball to keep its line and come in with the arm is challenging, to say the least.

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Siraj

The right-arm pacer has been in superb form with the white ball of late, gaining to No. 1 in the ODI bowling rankings in the process. However, the reality remains that his strongest suit is the longest format, which speaks loudly. He has been a fantastic scrambling seam exponent and, more crucially, has re-developed his outswinger. While the conditions aren’t ideal for a bowler like Siraj, he’s still considered to be a threat with both the new and old ball. The abrasive surfaces in India may also introduce reverse swing into the equation, which Siraj is familiar with. The former world no 1 batter lost his wicket to the pacer in the last innings he played against India, in the famous fourth Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.

TEST

YearRunsBallsOutsDots4s6sSRAvg
2020330200100.0–
202140991742140.440.0
Total431021762142.243.0

Ashwin

When compared to other batsmen, Smith has a strong record against the senior bowler’s web but has recently been vulnerable to the spin web. Ravichandran Ashwin defeated the ace hitter many times during the last series in Australia. He has also dismissed him three times on their visits to India in 2013 and 2017. While he still has a solid average against spin, Smith, a credible batter against spin, has conceded that Ashwin has a hold on him. Ashwin’s form with the red ball has never diminished, and confronting him in spin-friendly conditions will undoubtedly be Smith’s hardest challenge on the trip.

TEST

YearRunsBallsOutsDots4s6sSRAvg
201339931684041.939.0
2014122186012711465.6–
201555760455172.4–
2017132215212611061.466.0
20204232190017.42.0
2021601011656059.460.0
Total412694645037559.468.7




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