India vs Australia: Steve Smith admits that David Warner’s absence will test Australia’s depth against ‘good Indian outfit’

India vs Australia: Steve Smith admits that David Warner’s absence will test Australia’s depth against ‘good Indian outfit’

David Warner and Steve Smith

David Warner and Steve Smith

Ace Australian batsman Steve Smith revealed that David Warner missing the opening Test match against India would be a significant loss for them. The southpaw has been ruled out from the Adelaide Test after picking a groin injury during the ODI in Sydney.

Smith reckoned that his absence would test the home team’s depth against a ‘good Indian outfit’. He also recalled that Virat Kohli’s men beat them in their backyard last time they toured Down Under.

“I think our depth is obviously going to be tested with Davey out and a few potential new players coming in,” Smith said. “It’ll test us out no doubt against a good Indian outfit. We know how good they are at Test cricket. They beat us out here last time, and they’re a very good side.”

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“When you bat at No. 3 you are sometimes in the second ball of the game, that’s the reality of batting there, so someone at three could certainly go up the top,” he added.

‘Ishant Sharma not playing is a massive loss for India’

Ishant Sharma australia tour
Ishant Sharma

Asked whether this could be considered India’s strongest-ever attack, Steve Smith talked about the absence of Ishant Sharma from the squad. The 32-year old didn’t fly with the team after an injury during an IPL game for Delhi Capitals. 

“They’re experienced now, particularly Shami and Bumrah,” he said. “Ishant Sharma is probably a big loss for them…he’s played a lot of cricket now and is a good bowler. Without him, it may not be their strongest because I’m sure they’d like him to play, no doubt.

“Shami’s played a lot of cricket, Bumrah’s played a reasonable amount of cricket and is a quality bowler. Whichever spinner they use – Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep – we’ll wait and see there. But they’ve all played a fair bit of cricket now. They’re all good bowlers, and we’re going to have to be at our best if we’re going to beat them,” the 31-year old signed off. 

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