World number one Test batsman Steve Smith has kept aside his injury concern and has said that he is all set to compete against India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which starts from December 26.
Earlier, just before the start of the Pink-ball Test in Adelaide, it was reported that Smith has tweaked his back while trying to bend down and pick the ball. However, Smith has informed that he is fine and hoping to face such problems after “six years” now.
“It’s still a bit stiff but it didn’t hamper me too much throughout the (first Test),” Smith said, adding he put his dismissal down to Ashwin’s good bowling.
“It’s just something I need to manage whenever it goes and I probably haven’t had an episode since 2014, I think it was, so hopefully they can continue to be six years apart if they come.
“If I’m moving around and laying down I’m good.
“If I sit around for too long it’s not great for it, but I’m not worried about it.
“I think everything will be fine and I’ll be good to go.”
Further, the Australian batting mainstay also talked about his excitement to come down and bat in a Boxing Day Test. The 31-year-old said the thrilling moment is sufficient to give some “shivers down the spine” of a batsman. For Smith, who averages an staggering 113.50 in Melbourne, it’s like a dream come true.
“I like batting at the MCG and (on) those big occasions,” Smith said.
“I like to try and make the most of them and help the team out.
“There’s nothing like the thrill and you get the shivers down your spine when you walk out to bat on Boxing Day with the crowd yelling, and it’s like a dream come true in a way.
“As a kid I always wanted to play in a Boxing Day Test match.
In the first innings of Adelaide Test, Steve Smith was out for 1 run after a beautiful Ravichandran Ashwin delivery took the edge of his bat and landed in the hands of the slip fielder.
