"I think he can go big here” - Former Australia cricketer makes big prediction for BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
During the third Test against India in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14, former Australia player Kerry O'Keefe pointed out that Steve Smith, who is going through a lean patch, is at the end of his career. The 75-year-old, however, reckoned that Smith could deliver at the Gabba provided the pitch lost its tinge. He also recalled how Smith played a vital knock of unbeaten 91 at the same venue against the West Indies earlier this year.
O'Keefe's reaction came after Smith returned with scores of 0, 17, and 2 in the first two Tests of the five-game series against India. Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed him twice already in the series.
Kerry O'Keefe said (via Fox Sports):
"If this pitch loses its tinge and he goes in with a platform I think he can go big here, Steve Smith. He’s 35, he is in the twilight of his career. But I tell you it is all set up here. He is a track specialist. He could have won that Test against the West Indies last year. He got 91 not out opening the batting."
"He is just going through one of those periods" - Michael Vaughan on under-fire Australia batter Steve Smith
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said Steve Smith is going through a lean phase and is getting out via unlucky dismissals, particularly down the leg side. The cricketer-turned-commentator said in the same interaction:
"I look at dismissals and I look at the three dismissals this series and I think he is just going through one of those periods that you go through."
"The first one nipped back it's a beauty. The second one he gets one that nips away, it's a good ball. Then he gets one down the leg side. So of the three dismissals you kind of go, there is not a great deal he can do about any of them," he added.
Steve Smith has managed just 232 runs in seven Tests this year, averaging 23.2, including a solitary half-century. The Australian batter, however, has 2059 runs in 21 Tests against India, including nine centuries.
As far as the third Test is concerned, Australia were 28 without loss after 13.2 overs at Stumps on Day 1.