Border – Gavaskar Trophy 2023: Former Australian captain Steve Smith has stated that a series victory in India is more significant than winning an Ashes series, just before the first Test match starts to commence in Nagpur on February 9th. Smith, a highly-regarded Test batter, will play a vital role for Australia, who have won only one Test match against India since the 2004/05 season.
What did Steve Smith and other Australians say?
The middle-order batter stated that it is a formidable challenge to win even a single Test match in India, and if successful, it would be more impactful than an Ashes victory. In a video posted by Cricket Australia on Twitter, Steve Smith said, “It’s a difficult place to win… a Test match let alone a Test series. So you know if we’re able to topple that mountain that would be huge. I think if we can win India that would be bigger than an Ashes series.”
Mitchell Starc too, in the video said, “Playing a series In India would be very special to our group. I think it’s always been a bit of a crown jewel for Australian touring teams. It’s one of if not the hardest place to play away with such foreign conditions, how strong the Indian team are at the moment as well. For our group particularly the way we sit at the minute and how we are building as a group, learning and adapting and bringing that experience. I think it will be extremely special.”
Watch Australian team speak on Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023
In the promotional video, Australian captain Pat Cummins concurred with Smith’s views, stating that wins in India are less frequent compared to victories in the Ashes. Despite a lackluster record against India both at home and away, the Test matches between the two teams have always been intense. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc acknowledged the significance of the trip, saying that the tour will be extra special for the team, and that the India series has long been considered the highlight of any Australian touring team.
The Australians will aim to avenge their losses against the Indian team that defeated them in consecutive Test series in Australia. Despite some injury concerns within the squad, the Australians will hope for their key players to perform at their best throughout the four-match Test series.
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