Australia’s skipper, Steve Smith has revealed that if he was to pick two Indian players in his dream cricket team, his opposite number in India, Virat Kohli, will not be a part of it.
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“I would have Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh in my team,” the right-handed batsman claimed on Wednesday when he was asked to pick two Indian cricketers in his dream side.
Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are two of the world’s best batsman at present, but both failed in the opening ODI of the 5-game series between India and Australia in Chennai.
When questioned about his rivalry with Kohli, the 28-year-old replied: “”I think Virat is a terrific player and captain. What he has done with the Indian team is been exceptional. Personally I don’t like battles with different players if that makes sense.”
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“Since Virat has come the fitness of the team has improved a lot,” Steve Smith added.
The Australian captain is all set to play his 100th ODI in Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, as India take on Australia in the 2nd of the 5-game ODI series, which the hosts lead 1-0.
Speaking about featuring at the iconic stadium where the Australian cricket team emerged about 30 years ago in 1987, when Allan Border led Australian to their maiden World Cup glory by defeating England, Smith revealed: “I have never played an international match here. ”
“I assume the crowd will be pretty loud and packed. I am looking forward to playing here. I have watched a lot of games in the past being played here.”
On the other hand, the Sydney-born Smith selected spin king Shane Warne and batting great, Sir Donald Bradman as the two picks from his homeland in Tests, while he switched to Mitchell Johnson and Mike Hussey in the 50-over format.
The Australian skipper also expressed his dismay over the bitter pay dispute between the board and the players which spoilt the Australian summer of cricket.
Peace broke between the players’ union and Cricket Australia after months.
