#IndiainAustralia: This is how Smith, Warner are helping Australia
What's the story
Steve Smith and David Warner are set to miss the upcoming four-match Test series against India. The Australian star batsmen were handed a 12-month ban for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal earlier this year. The duo will be returning to the fold post March. But this hasn't stopped them to help the Aussie bowlers prepare for the Test series.
Warner
Warner faces the Aussie pace trio
Left-handed batsman Warner was seen in the nets facing the likes of premier pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in Sydney, prior to the recently concluded T20I series decider. These three bowlers were handed a rest in order to help them focus for the Test matches. Starc did play the final T20I as he replaced the injured Bill Stanlake.
Smith
Now Smith is set to do the same
Now, former Aussie skipper Smith will be facing the pace pack in Sydney this week. Without any doubt, Smith is at the same level as Indian skipper Virat Kohli in Test cricket. The Aussie pacers will get immense help by bowling to Smith during net sessions. Smith is expected to face the pacers and discuss how things are shaping up.
Factor
Kohli factor the main threat for Aussie bowlers
With Virat Kohli expected to provide the stiffest test to the Aussies, the plan is to come up with a smart plan against the best. In India's last tour, which they lost 0-2, Kohli stood out scoring 692 runs. Aussies will be wary about the threat called Kohli. This is where Smith comes into the picture and the bowlers will learn a lot.
Plan
Starc outlines the importance of Smith
According to a report in Fairfax Media, Aussie pacer Starc pointed out the importance of Smith in relation to their preparations. "He's someone the three of us have bowled a fair bit to over the last little while at training. There's talking (to) bowling coaches then there's talking to the guys you're bowling to. That's a great opportunity to have him face us."
Comments
Smith was ready to help us, says Starc
Starc added that when the side asked Smith for his time and help, he was ready to oblige. "We said we have a few overs to bowl next week and we said if you want to have a hit he was more than happy to oblige. It'll be great to bowl to him in the nets. He's one of the best in the world."
Tests
Focus on four-match Test series
All the focus will now revolve around the four-match Test series. India lost both their away Test series this year against South Africa and England. Aussies will be confident to do the job against India at home. For the visitors, the idea will be to learn from the mistakes of earlier tours and play to their strengths. An exciting Test series awaits us.