India vs Australia: ‘You get shivers down your spine’ – Steve Smith shares ‘thrill’ of playing a Boxing Day Test, brushes away injury scare
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On the eve of the pink ball Test, Steve Smith left an important net session early with a sore back. And this created a ripple of speculations around his availability. Yet Smith featured in the series opener although he failed to put up an impactful performance. Smith shares that back still bothers him but didn’t hamper his movements much in Adelaide. The Aussie run machine feels that he will be good to go for the Boxing Day Test.
“It’s still a bit stiff but it didn’t hamper me too much throughout the (first Test),” Smith was quoted by cricket.com.au. “It’s just something I need to manage whenever it goes and I probably haven’t had an episode since 2014, I think it was, so hopefully they can continue to be six years apart if they come. If I’m moving around and laying down I’m good. If I sit around for too long it’s not great for it, but I’m not worried about it. I think everything will be fine and I’ll be good to go.“
It’s just a great feeling
While Smith’s unbelievable records are nothing new for the cricket admirers, his stats in the Boxing Day Tests are a step further. The New South Welshman averages an otherworldly 144 in Boxing Day Tests since the 2013 Ashes tour. His maiden Boxing Day Test was nothing short of a disaster as he was sent packing for scores of 6 and 38. He was even dropped following the Ashes series. But he bounced back strong as he averages 133.50 at the iconic venue is his best among all grounds worldwide.
“Ten years, it’s kind of hard to believe,” Smith said. “It’s been a while since then, I’ve grown as a player over that time. And my Boxing Day record is probably my best in Australia of all the grounds. I like batting at the MCG, those big occasions, I like to try and make the most of them. And help the team out.“
Ever since his exploits in Ashes 2019, Smith has not been able to cross the three-figure landmark in 12 innings. But back at his favourite venue and against his favourite opponents, India, Smith has a great opportunity to end his longest century drought in recent times.
“There’s nothing like the thrill, and you get shivers down your spine when you walk out to bat on Boxing Day,” he says. “With the crowd yelling, it’s like a dream come true. As a kid, I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match. I remember watching them with the family at home after Christmas. So to walk out on Boxing Day to play, you get the shivers down the spine and your hairs on the back of your neck raise up. And it’s just a great feeling.“
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Anshuman Mahapatra
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