"He has been a point of concern" - Aakash Chopra on Steve Smith's underwhelming performances heading into AUS vs NED World Cup 2023 clash
Aakash Chopra has picked Steve Smith's underwhelming performances with the bat as one of Australia's concerns heading into their World Cup 2023 clash against the Netherlands.
The two sides will lock horns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 25. Smith scored 46 runs in the Aussies' tournament opener against India but hasn't reached the 20-run mark thereafter and will want to play a substantial knock against the Dutch.
Previewing the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that Smith's performance will be keenly watched. He elaborated (5:40):
"Australia have won two matches, so they have got the momentum now. It is a small ground and if they bat first, they will score 350 again. Steve Smith hasn't scored runs. It will be interesting whether runs come from his bat or not because he has been a point of concern."
The former India opener added that Marnus Labuschagne, who might be replaced by Travis Head in the XI, and Glenn Maxwell haven't fired with the bat either. He said:
"Marnus Labuschagne - he too hasn't given any great performance thus far. Maxwell with the bat - he has been totally missing thus far. So these are a few points of concern which they would want to address."
Chopra highlighted the significance of Wednesday's game for Australia. He pointed out that Pat Cummins and company are ahead in the race for the fourth spot behind India, South Africa and New Zealand, considering that Pakistan have crashlanded and England haven't seemingly started playing.
"Mitchell Starc has looked a little cold to me" - Aakash Chopra on Australia's bowling
![Mitchell Starc has picked up six wickets in Australia's first four games. [P/C: AP]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/10/51f1f-16982038179157-1920.jpg?w=500)
Reflecting on Australia's bowling, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Mitchell Starc hasn't been at his potent best in the ongoing World Cup. He elaborated (6:40):
"They will manage in bowling. Mitchell Starc has looked a little cold to me. He has not looked the same Mitchell Starc that you generally see in the World Cups. He is generally in the highest wicket-takers list but he is not at all looking like that this time."
The cricketer-turned-commentator feels the fifth bowler's quota is another concern for Australia. He explained:
"Josh Hazlewood is bowling extremely well. It will become better if he gets a few more wickets. Pat Cummins is picking up wickets although he remains expensive. Then Adam Zampa, the fifth bowler is still a question, whether Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis will do that or whether they will get the 10 overs from both of them together."
Chopra expects a fight from the Netherlands in Wednesday's game, highlighting that they don't lose matches one-sided. However, he concluded by picking Australia as the likely winners.