Steve Smith discloses preparation to face Jofra Archer: The Australian batsman was vocal about his biggest opponent in the series.
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There is no hiding to the fact that “Steve Smith vs Jofra Archer” is a battle looking forward to in the upcoming fourth Test of the ongoing 2019 Ashes series between England and Australia. Given how well both the cricketers played against each other, one can only hope for an intriguing battle at Old Trafford from September 4.
Speaking on the eve of Australia’s practice match against Derbyshire at Derby, Smith sounded unaware of whether the hosts will once again bowl the short lengths against him. If they do, Smith considered it to be an “interesting plot”.
“I don’t know [if England will keep bowling the short delivery], maybe. If they’re bowling up there, it means they can’t nick me off or hit me on the pads or hit the stumps. With the Dukes ball, I don’t know, that’s an interesting ploy,” Smith was quoted as saying.
Steve Smith discloses preparation to face Jofra Archer
Smith, who got hit by Archer twice in the Lord’s Test before eventually getting retired hurt, was adamant about his approach and didn’t want to change anything especially against Archer. “No. I’m not really going to change anything,” Smith said about his approach while facing Archer.
While Archer did bruise Smith’s arm before hitting him in the neck, the Aussie batsman highlighted the age-old notion of a bowler not being able to get the batsman out. On the contrary, Smith mentioned how other English bowlers have got him out in the past.
“There’s been a bit of talk that he’s got the wood over me but he hasn’t actually got me out. He hit me on the head on a wicket that was a bit up and down at Lord’s. He actually didn’t get me out.
“All the other bowlers have had more success against me I daresay. I’ve faced them a bit more but they’ve all got me out a lot more. I’m pretty comfortable with that. It’s just about getting out there and playing the game,” Smith added.
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