Steven Smith backs Glenn Maxwell, expresses reservations about pink ball in day-night test matches
Steven Smith, the Australian captain has said that the team is upbeat despite the crushing defeat against South Africa at Guyana. Australia have had a mixed start to the tournament as they won against host West Indies, but went down to South Africa.
Smith has also voiced support for out of form all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who has managed only 9 runs in the last 5 matches. He has managed 0 and 3 in the two matches this series.
"I know Glenn Maxwell's form has been spoken about because he's been a bit short of runs in one-day cricket, but he was unlucky against the Proteas," Smith wrote in his column for cricket.com.au . "I used up our referral when me and Finchy (Aaron Finch) thought it might have hit me outside the line or was missing the stumps, but unfortunately, I was out and we lost the review."
"I don't think Maxi was overly happy about that when he copped his decision, but that's cricket," Smith added. "Maxi works hard and he just needs to be a bit more consistent with the bat. Getting out in the middle in those situations, he has to find a way to get started and knock the ball around a little bit to get into his innings. He obviously hasn't done that too well lately, and neither have I, which is frustrating."
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The skipper also said that the mood in the camp is positive despite the loss against South Africa, and there is confidence flowing around. He also praised Justin Langer, who has stepped in as the head coach for this series in place of Darren Lehmann.
"It's great to have Justin Langer with us for this tour. I worked with him before when I was a bit younger and he's been really relaxed so far and he's come in with some great game plans."
Smith who captained Australia in the first ever Day-Night test match has voiced few concerns regarding the pink ball.
"I've said before that from my point of view, I'd really like to see the development of the ball continue. I don't like that there has to be extra grass on the pitch in order for the ball to hold up. I don't think that's cricket as it should be. But if we keep improving that, it's going to be a form of the game that will be played pretty consistently in the future. I think it's great for the game and a great innovation."