After outplaying the Indians in the third Test at Indore, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith clarified that this is a Pat Cummins team. “My time as captain is done. This is Patty’s team”, Smith told the press after the match. As a skipper, Steve Smith has won all three Tests in the absence of Cummins. After winning the third Test against India, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden lauded Steve Smith.
“He was inspired yesterday,” former Australian batter Matthew Hayden said in a commentary.
“You could tell that he was right in the match. He has been brilliant. Tactically on point, up for the challenge.”
Australia defeated India by 9 wickets on Day 3 of India vs Australia 3rd Test in Indore to attain their first win in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India lead the four-match Test series 2-1 and are yet to qualify for World Test Championship (WTC).
“I really enjoyed this week. I like captaining in this part of the world. I feel like I understand the conditions really well and the intricacies of the game,” Smith said in the post-match presentation.
“There’s an event every ball … it’s a lot different to the other parts of the world.
“I think I did a reasonable job this week.”
The fourth and final Test of India vs Australia Test series will be played in Ahmedabad. For India to make it to the WTC final, they need to defeat Australia in Ahmedabad Test.