Australian cricket stars were seen in high spirits during the net session in WACA. Steve Smith, who has been in patchy form with the bat was seen batting in the nets with intent as he faced the seamers with ease. Smith was in a happy mood as he was spotted doing a funny dance while taking a break from batting.
Travis Head batted well used his feet well and showed the aggressive intent he is known for. The left-handed batter has been in top form with the bat and his record against India in recent times has been great. Usman Khawaja was at his cautious best but was bowled while leaving a ball from Mitchell Starc.
Some snippets from Australia’s training session at the WACA yesterday. Steve Smith clearly having a time 🤪 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/M6mMHbMed6
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) November 19, 2024
It is expected that Australia will hand the debut cap to Nathan McSweeney. The 25-year-old is set to open the batting for Australia with veteran star Usman Khawaja. The home team could also opt to go in with a pace-heavy attack. Perth’s surface is expected to have ample bounce and carry which could trouble batters from both sides.
Shane Watson backs Steve Smith to shine versus India
Former Australian star Shane Watson was a guest on the Will Talk Cricket Podcast. The 43-year-old said that Steve Smith had put up his hands to open for Australia. The decision came about after the retirement of David Warner at the start of the year.
Watson said, “Steve wanted to open. He was super keen to take up a new challenge. But one thing with that opportunity he had was he wasn’t actually batting at his best at that time. So he got an opportunity to open and Steve Smith at his very best would have made the most out of it because he just loves scoring runs whether it is opening or at No 4. You could see it a few times he got out when he was opening – his game and his technique was a little bit off.”
The former Aussie star backed Smith to find his prime form against India. “In the one-day series against Pakistan, in one of the innings at the MCG, wow, it looked like the very best of him. Jeez, he had so much time and had all the shots. I’m confident that Smith would bring that version of him into this summer and whether he bats at No 4 or opening, he will score runs,” he added.