The much anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is a little more than a week away with the first Test scheduled to start from 22nd November at the Optus Stadium in Perth. India have travelled to Australia for the 5-Match series on the back of harrowing 3-0 defeat to New Zealand in their home Test series. 

Ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, star Australian batter Steve Smith is unfazed of India’s challenge as he has fired a warning to the visitors. 

Steve Smith unfazed of India 

India has dominated Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy having beaten the Kangaroos in four consecutive series, including the last two series played in Australia. Australia hasn’t won the Border Gavaskar Trophy for a decade now and Steve Smith remains intent on changing that in this Australian summer. 

Steve Smith remained confident of Australia’s chances as he believes the Kangaroos have every weapon in their arsenal to hurt an already struggling India. 

“We’ve been outplayed the last couple of time they’ve come out to Australia. I think we’re a really good side at the moment. We’ve got all the bases covered. We’ve been playing really good cricket the last few years. So hopefully we’re well equipped and it’s going to be a great series. They’re a very good side. So yeah hopefully we’ll get one on them this year”, said Steve Smith in interview with Fox Cricket. 

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Smith aims to replicate his 2014 form

Steve Smith boasts an excellent record against India having scored 2,042 runs in 19 Tests with an average of 65.28 including 9 Test centuries. 

“I am not sure whether I just stack up well against their bowlers or what not I am not sure. But I mean I like to stand up in the big series and do well and help the team so there’s much of the same that this summer,” said Steve Smith on his stats against India. 

Four of Steve Smith’s centuries against India came back in 2014-15 Border Gavaskar Trophy. Smith talked about how he is aiming to repeat that magical summer of 2014 to finally get Australia’s hands back on the Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

“It was a long time ago now. I remember it pretty fondly. I scored four hundreds in four Tests. It was probably the best I’ve actually batted I reckon in terms of just being comfortable in my game, my mental side. Seeing the ball really nicely yeah I was in a good place so yeah it’d be nice to do that again this summer,” said Steve Smith.  

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Ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Australia experimented with Steve Smith’s batting spot and sent him in as an opener. But as confirmed by captain Pat Cummins, Smith is set to return to his preferred number four spot.