Australia vs Pakistan 2019 : Steve Smith says he will bat with more discipline against Yasir Shah
What's the story?
The world No.1 Test batsman, Steve Smith has reflected on his batting style against Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who recently dismissed him for the seventh time in Test cricket. Smith pointed out that that dismissal has motivated him to play with more discipline against him in the upcoming Test.
The background
Yasir Shah stands second in the list of the bowlers who have dismissed Steve Smith the most in Test cricket. Only England's Stuart Broad has dismissed Smith more times (8) than the Pakistani leg-spinner. Smith has faced the 33-year-old in 10 Test innings -- being bowled twice, caught on four occasions and leg-before once.
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The heart of the matter
Talking to cricket.com.au on Tuesday (26th November), the former Australian captain revealed that he will be more cautious against Shah in the 2nd Test. He said:
“It gave me a bit more motivation next game to not get out to him. I’ll be a little bit more disciplined against him."
Reflecting his views on how the Swabi-born player has scalped his wicket 7 times, Smith added:
“It was interesting. A few of the times he’s got me out, I’ve been on a few runs and been slogging. There’s been a couple of second innings ones where I was playing some funky shots. So I’m not too worried. I thought he bowled really well at the Gabba, got some good drift and a little bit of a spin on a wicket that wasn’t spinning that much. He bowled well and we’re going have to play him well this game."
What's next?
The second Test match between Australia and Pakistan will begin on 29th November at 9:00 AM IST. It will be interesting to see if Azhar Ali's men can register their first points in the ICC World Test Championship.