India vs Australia: ‘India will miss Virat Kohli but he has a life outside of cricket too,’ says Steve Smith


India vs Australia: ‘India will miss Virat Kohli but he has a life outside of cricket too,’ says Steve Smith

Steve Smith and Virat Kohli

Steve Smith and Virat Kohli

Ace Australian batsman Steve Smith reckoned that Virat Kohli’s absence from the last three Test matches will be a big blow to the visiting side. Calling him a world-class player, Smith backed the Indian skipper for flying back home for the birth of his first child. The right-hander said that Virat is also a human being and has got a life outside of cricket.

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“No doubt it is a big loss for India. We know Virat is a world-class player and you got to give him credit for how much he loved playing down here. (But) He is also a human being and has got a life outside of cricket and a family that is starting,” Smith told reporters in an online media interaction from Adelaide.

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“Credit to him for wanting to be there for the birth of his first child. We know how much he loves playing in Australia and how good he is. Lots of credit to go to him for wanting to be there,” he added.

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Tim Paine and Aaron Finch doing good jobs as captains: Smith

Tim Paine and Aaron Finch

Steve Smith was stripped off the captaincy of all formats for the national side after the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. As a result, Tim Paine and Aaron Finch were appointed as the Australian skippers in the respective formats. Talking about his chances of becoming the captain again, Smith said that he is happy to do whatever is best for the side. The 31-year-old also hailed the current leaders of the Australian cricket team.

“There were discussions taking place, and I think Justin Langer answered the question when asked about me and captaincy stuff. Obviously, there is a process that needs to be done. And for me, I am happy to do whatever is best for the team… Right now, Tim and Finchy are doing a really good job in both formats of the game. I am comfortable where we are right now. As always said, I will do what is best for the team,” said Smith ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Also Read | India vs Australia: Ian Chappell lauds Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy ahead of the first Test