Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites&nbsp;to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20).&nbsp;

"They're a terrific side, they've got all bases covered and some serious match-winners. They've all been playing in these conditions the last couple of months with the IPL (Indian Premier League). So they'll be used to that," Smith was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;

During the match, Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post a competitive 152 for five, while chasing the target, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-know-what-insecurity-we-salman-butt-slams-babar-azam-co-ahead-of-t20-wc-opener-vs-india-422635">'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam &amp; Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India</a>

Smith (57) was glad to get runs after being barely used by Delhi Capitals on the IPL's resumption in the UAE leg. "I feel like I've been hitting the ball really well. I haven't played too many games in the IPL but I've spent a lot of time in the nets, working on things and getting used to conditions," said the former skipper.&nbsp;

Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-take-squid-game-challenge-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-opener-only-two-succeed-watch-422580">Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH</a>

Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.&nbsp;

Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20).

Australian batter Steve Smith praised the India cricket team, branding the Virat Kohli's side favourites to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Men in Blue outclassed Australia in a warmup match on Wednesday (October 20). "They're a terrific side, they've got all bases covered and some serious match-winners. They've all been playing in these conditions the last couple of months with the IPL (Indian Premier League). So they'll be used to that," Smith was quoted as saying by Reuters. During the match, Smith scored a half-century to help Australia post a competitive 152 for five, while chasing the target, India got off to a steady start as openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. ALSO READ | 'I don't know what insecurity we' - Salman Butt slams Babar Azam & Co. ahead of T20 WC opener vs India Smith (57) was glad to get runs after being barely used by Delhi Capitals on the IPL's resumption in the UAE leg. "I feel like I've been hitting the ball really well. I haven't played too many games in the IPL but I've spent a lot of time in the nets, working on things and getting used to conditions," said the former skipper. Rahul and Rohit Sharma put together 42 runs inside the first six overs. Both batters stitched together an opening stand of 68 runs and it finally ended in the 10th over as Ashton Agar had Rahul (39) caught at the hands of David Warner. ALSO READ | Team India take 'Squid Game' challenge ahead of T20 World Cup opener, only two succeed - WATCH Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav ensured that India does not suffer from more hiccups, and with the side 26-run away from the target, Rohit decided to retire hurt after playing a knock of 60. In the end, India registered a comfortable victory with Suryakumar (38) and Hardik Pandya (14) remaining unbeaten at the crease.

Steve Smith names 'serious match-winners' who got 'all bases covered' to win T20 World Cup

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer and&nbsp;star batsman of Delhi Capitals is confident that the team can do "even better" in the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021, which will resume on September 19 in UAE.&nbsp;

"We have to pick up from where we left off. We were playing some really good cricket, getting the results we were after. And I think we can do even better so we should be playing our best cricket in the back end of the tournament," quoted PTI citing a media release by DC.&nbsp;

"You have to play well enough to get to the final, but hopefully, we can play our best cricket in the final," the 32-year-old Australian said.&nbsp;

"It's been a few months since we have played together so we have to build again. We have a great squad and we have Shreyas Iyer back in the side as well, which adds a lot more to us. He's a quality player and good to see him back out in the park," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifth-test-between-india-and-england-called-off-over-covid-19-concerns-412051">Fifth Test between India and England called off over COVID-19 concerns</a>

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Out of quarantine and straight to bat 🤩 
 
We wouldn't expect anything else from Smudge 😌🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiNayiDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiNayiDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevesmith49</a> <a href="https://t.co/lbpzcbI4S1">pic.twitter.com/lbpzcbI4S1</a>
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Delhi Capitals are currently at the top of the standings with 12 points from six wins out of eight games. They will resume their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22.&nbsp;

The 14the edition of India's cash-rich tournament was halted midway through the season in May due to multiple cases in the IPL bio-bubble and also the increasing COVID-19 cases when it was underway in India.

The base was then shifted to UAE and the matches will be played following strict COIVD-19 measures as the tournament is set to resume on September 19. Qualifier 1 will take place on October 10 while the Eliminator will be held on October 11. Qualifier 2 will take place on October 13 and the final will take place on October 15.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-statement-over-cancellation-of-fifth-test-between-india-and-england-412114">BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England</a> 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
While speaking about the unfortunate situation around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith said that he's fortunate to be playing in the IPL during a tumultuous time.

"It's been a very unique time in the world in the last 18 months. We've all had to work together to try and get through this and we have to continue to get through the situation," said Smith.&nbsp;

"I am really fortunate to have a chance to come back for the second half of the tournament. I am looking forward to it. Delhi is sitting at a great spot on the table so hope that we can keep playing some great cricket and be there at the business end of the tournament," he added.

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer and star batsman of Delhi Capitals is confident that the team can do "even better" in the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021, which will resume on September 19 in UAE.

Steve Smith, the Australian cricketer and star batsman of Delhi Capitals is confident that the team can do "even better" in the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021, which will resume on September 19 in UAE. "We have to pick up from where we left off. We were playing some really good cricket, getting the results we were after. And I think we can do even better so we should be playing our best cricket in the back end of the tournament," quoted PTI citing a media release by DC. "You have to play well enough to get to the final, but hopefully, we can play our best cricket in the final," the 32-year-old Australian said. "It's been a few months since we have played together so we have to build again. We have a great squad and we have Shreyas Iyer back in the side as well, which adds a lot more to us. He's a quality player and good to see him back out in the park," he added. ALSO READ | Fifth Test between India and England called off over COVID-19 concerns Out of quarantine and straight to bat 🤩 We wouldn't expect anything else from Smudge 😌🔥#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/lbpzcbI4S1 — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) September 7, 2021 × Delhi Capitals are currently at the top of the standings with 12 points from six wins out of eight games. They will resume their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22. The 14the edition of India's cash-rich tournament was halted midway through the season in May due to multiple cases in the IPL bio-bubble and also the increasing COVID-19 cases when it was underway in India. The base was then shifted to UAE and the matches will be played following strict COIVD-19 measures as the tournament is set to resume on September 19. Qualifier 1 will take place on October 10 while the Eliminator will be held on October 11. Qualifier 2 will take place on October 13 and the final will take place on October 15. ALSO READ | BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England While speaking about the unfortunate situation around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith said that he's fortunate to be playing in the IPL during a tumultuous time. "It's been a very unique time in the world in the last 18 months. We've all had to work together to try and get through this and we have to continue to get through the situation," said Smith. "I am really fortunate to have a chance to come back for the second half of the tournament. I am looking forward to it. Delhi is sitting at a great spot on the table so hope that we can keep playing some great cricket and be there at the business end of the tournament," he added.

IPL 2021: Steve Smith believes Delhi Capitals can perform 'even better' in the UAE leg

The current year's IPL was postponed indefinitely in May after a calamitous episode of COVID-19 in India. The IPL has since been rescheduled to finish the excess 31&nbsp;matches in 27 days between September 19 and October 15 in the UAE, completing only two days before the T20 World Cup starts, which has additionally been migrated to the locale from India.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia has made room for the country's top white-ball players to get back to the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates in September and October.&nbsp;

It will be the second progressive season where players, for example, David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have missed the initial rounds of Australia's homegrown rivalries to take an interest in the rewarding homegrown T20 competition.&nbsp;

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Cricket Australia's clearance came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board affirmed the deferment of a three-match ODI series between the two countries initially wanted to be held in India in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

A T20 tri-series additionally including the West Indies was beca use of form a significant piece of the World Cup preparations for all three crews, and Afghanistan specialists are proceeding with endeavors to tie down a venue to host it.&nbsp;

David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, and Daniel Sams – are presently expected to get back to the IPL.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins has said he will miss the IPL second phase due to the approaching birth of his first kid child has focused on Australia's T20 World Cup slant.&nbsp;

Josh Hazlewood, Riley Meredith, Dan Christian, Moises Henriques, Mitch Marsh, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, and Josh Philippe are the players that hold IPL deals that were essential for the squad that visited the Caribbean and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Josh Philippe had quit the first phase of the IPL competition that was held in India, yet are allowed to get back to the rescheduled IPL, despite the fact that it has not yet been affirmed on the off chance that they will.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/watch-csk-gives-sneak-peek-of-ms-dhoni-and-other-teammates-as-they-reach-dubai-for-ipl-2021-remainder-405367" hreflang="en">Watch: CSK gives sneak peek of MS Dhoni and other teammates as they reach Dubai for IPL 2021 remainder</a>

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Delhi Capitals IPL side, said the tournament was the ideal groundwork for the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

"No doubt it's their best preparation to be in those exact conditions, playing in probably the strongest domestic T20 tournament in the world," Ricky Ponting said on SEN radio&nbsp;

"All the best players in the world will be there and I'm not just saying it because I want some of the Australian players there at the Delhi Capitals," he added.

The current year's IPL was postponed indefinitely in May after a calamitous episode of COVID-19 in India. The IPL has since been rescheduled to finish the excess 31 matches in 27 days between September 19 and October 15 in the UAE, completing only two days before the T20 World Cup starts, which has additionally been migrated to the locale from India.

The current year's IPL was postponed indefinitely in May after a calamitous episode of COVID-19 in India. The IPL has since been rescheduled to finish the excess 31 matches in 27 days between September 19 and October 15 in the UAE, completing only two days before the T20 World Cup starts, which has additionally been migrated to the locale from India. Cricket Australia has made room for the country's top white-ball players to get back to the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates in September and October. It will be the second progressive season where players, for example, David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have missed the initial rounds of Australia's homegrown rivalries to take an interest in the rewarding homegrown T20 competition. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mohammed Siraj explains about his ‘finger on lips’ celebration Cricket Australia's clearance came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board affirmed the deferment of a three-match ODI series between the two countries initially wanted to be held in India in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. A T20 tri-series additionally including the West Indies was beca use of form a significant piece of the World Cup preparations for all three crews, and Afghanistan specialists are proceeding with endeavors to tie down a venue to host it. David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, and Daniel Sams – are presently expected to get back to the IPL. Pat Cummins has said he will miss the IPL second phase due to the approaching birth of his first kid child has focused on Australia's T20 World Cup slant. Josh Hazlewood, Riley Meredith, Dan Christian, Moises Henriques, Mitch Marsh, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, and Josh Philippe are the players that hold IPL deals that were essential for the squad that visited the Caribbean and Bangladesh. Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Josh Philippe had quit the first phase of the IPL competition that was held in India, yet are allowed to get back to the rescheduled IPL, despite the fact that it has not yet been affirmed on the off chance that they will. ALSO READ: Watch: CSK gives sneak peek of MS Dhoni and other teammates as they reach Dubai for IPL 2021 remainder Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Delhi Capitals IPL side, said the tournament was the ideal groundwork for the T20 World Cup. "No doubt it's their best preparation to be in those exact conditions, playing in probably the strongest domestic T20 tournament in the world," Ricky Ponting said on SEN radio "All the best players in the world will be there and I'm not just saying it because I want some of the Australian players there at the Delhi Capitals," he added.

Cricket: Cricket Australia issues 'no objection certificates' for players to return to the IPL

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now.&nbsp;

Steve Smith is at present recuperating from an elbow injury subsequent to changing his batting grip. The star batsman conceded last week that getting fit for the Ashes outweighs the forthcoming T20 World Cup for him.&nbsp;

Tim Paine addressed the media, where he encouraged Steve Smith not to rush his physical issue return: He said: "What's important for me is that he's fit to go, whether that's at the T20 World Cup or the Ashes. Obviously from a selfish point of view, I would love him to be 100 percent fit and if that means he misses that tournament then so be it."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mitchell-starc-unperturbed-by-quarantine-hurdle-amidst-australias-tight-scheduled-395874" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled</a>

Steve Smith is one of the most important members of the Australian side across all formats. Tending to worries over his recuperation, Tim Paine needs Steve Smith to focus on his recovery to keep playing cricket in the coming years.&nbsp;

“But Steve is a professional, he'll know where his body is at and if he doesn't feel like he's right then he'll make the right call. It's important now that he takes the time to get it right, not just for the Ashes but to prolong his career for another four or five or six years,” Paine pointed out.

The Ashes in the not-so-distant future is probably going to see full limit crowds, with all scenes aside from the MCG being offered to the full limit. Tickets are being offered to the full limit, except for the Melbourne Cricket Ground which has an 85 percent limit presently. Regardless of whether the standard crowds of Barmy Army allies will actually want to make a trip to Australia, given current restrictions on worldwide restrictions, stays unclear.&nbsp;

"Absolutely, I hope they do open up (the borders) because they bring a brilliant atmosphere. The Barmy Army is a crucial part of the history of the Ashes and something the players love, whether they're ripping into you or barracking for the English. It adds to the Test match, to the theatre, so fingers crossed those guys can get in,” Paine signed off.

The 2021/22 Ashes starts off at The Gabba on December 8, with the last Test occurring in Perth from January 14 one year from now.

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now.

Tim Paine has asked Steve Smith to take as much time as is needed as he recuperates from injury. The Australian Test captain conceded he might want to see Steve Smith at top fitness when the Ashes comes around not long from now. Steve Smith is at present recuperating from an elbow injury subsequent to changing his batting grip. The star batsman conceded last week that getting fit for the Ashes outweighs the forthcoming T20 World Cup for him. Tim Paine addressed the media, where he encouraged Steve Smith not to rush his physical issue return: He said: "What's important for me is that he's fit to go, whether that's at the T20 World Cup or the Ashes. Obviously from a selfish point of view, I would love him to be 100 percent fit and if that means he misses that tournament then so be it." ALSO READ: Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled Steve Smith is one of the most important members of the Australian side across all formats. Tending to worries over his recuperation, Tim Paine needs Steve Smith to focus on his recovery to keep playing cricket in the coming years. “But Steve is a professional, he'll know where his body is at and if he doesn't feel like he's right then he'll make the right call. It's important now that he takes the time to get it right, not just for the Ashes but to prolong his career for another four or five or six years,” Paine pointed out. The Ashes in the not-so-distant future is probably going to see full limit crowds, with all scenes aside from the MCG being offered to the full limit. Tickets are being offered to the full limit, except for the Melbourne Cricket Ground which has an 85 percent limit presently. Regardless of whether the standard crowds of Barmy Army allies will actually want to make a trip to Australia, given current restrictions on worldwide restrictions, stays unclear. "Absolutely, I hope they do open up (the borders) because they bring a brilliant atmosphere. The Barmy Army is a crucial part of the history of the Ashes and something the players love, whether they're ripping into you or barracking for the English. It adds to the Test match, to the theatre, so fingers crossed those guys can get in,” Paine signed off. The 2021/22 Ashes starts off at The Gabba on December 8, with the last Test occurring in Perth from January 14 one year from now.

Cricket: 'Important he takes time' — Tim Paine urges Steve Smith not to rush injury return

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia.&nbsp;

Mitchell Starc is one of Australia's multi-format players who could be affected by the exceptionally close turnaround between the T20 World Cup and the beginning of the home Test season against Afghanistan in Hobart. He has depicted the forthcoming stage as an 'interesting' one for multi-format players from the nation will have to barge between formats.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Cricket: Steve Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup participation to be fit for Ashes">Cricket: Steve Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup participation to be fit for Ashes</a>

Opening up on the tight schedule, which could represent a test for multi-format players, Mitchell Starc was cited as saying by ESPN Cricinfo: "It's a very interesting one. I'm sure Cricket Australia is thinking about it and putting plans in place. The way of the world at the moment throws up a lot of hurdles, and then you are throwing two weeks of quarantine like we are going to have to do coming back from this tour as well; there's a lot of question marks."&nbsp;

Mitchell Starc, notwithstanding, called attention to that rules contrast as per the venues, and things could be chipped away at, alluding to the home series against India.

"You look back to the summer, and we played Sydney under restrictions; Brisbane was under full quarantine, so there's certainly precedence set there in how we approach different games, especially in Australia. In that respect, I don't think there're any hurdles to get around in playing cricket under quarantine conditions; it's just some of the finer details that government and cricket will have to work together," he added.

The 31-year-old conceded that the multi-format players would need to play as much cricket as possible. He said in such a manner: “Test cricket is certainly the pinnacle for a lot of us; certainly it is for me, as is a World Cup, so it will be hard to pick and choose."&nbsp;

The Australian limited-overs crew has shown up in West Indies for an essential visit in front of the T20 World Cup. Following their Caribbean trip, they will go to Bangladesh for another white-ball series. While many enormous names, including David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith, have opted out from the two tours, Mitchell Starc will be anticipating stretch out beyond the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

"It's a great opportunity for the group to start preparing with a bit more focus on that World Cup," he said. "Don't think I've played 10 T20s in the last four years let alone in the space of a few weeks so personally, it would be nice to get a bit of a rhythm of T20 cricket.

"The back end of the summer I was heavily focused on the red-ball so put the white-ball to the side. To prepare for this tour it's all been white-ball focused with what's coming up in the next few months. Preparing for shorter spells, more of a focus on staying unpredictable or&nbsp;variations. I don't change a whole lot in my preparation across the formats but certainly, they'll be a lot more planning and focus on tactically what we'll take on this series."

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia.

Mitchell Starc is ready to allow himself the best opportunity of being prepared for Test cricket in the midst of a schedule crunch which is additionally convoluted by the quarantine necessities in Australia. Mitchell Starc is one of Australia's multi-format players who could be affected by the exceptionally close turnaround between the T20 World Cup and the beginning of the home Test season against Afghanistan in Hobart. He has depicted the forthcoming stage as an 'interesting' one for multi-format players from the nation will have to barge between formats. ALSO READ: Cricket: Steve Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup participation to be fit for Ashes Opening up on the tight schedule, which could represent a test for multi-format players, Mitchell Starc was cited as saying by ESPN Cricinfo: "It's a very interesting one. I'm sure Cricket Australia is thinking about it and putting plans in place. The way of the world at the moment throws up a lot of hurdles, and then you are throwing two weeks of quarantine like we are going to have to do coming back from this tour as well; there's a lot of question marks." Mitchell Starc, notwithstanding, called attention to that rules contrast as per the venues, and things could be chipped away at, alluding to the home series against India. "You look back to the summer, and we played Sydney under restrictions; Brisbane was under full quarantine, so there's certainly precedence set there in how we approach different games, especially in Australia. In that respect, I don't think there're any hurdles to get around in playing cricket under quarantine conditions; it's just some of the finer details that government and cricket will have to work together," he added. The 31-year-old conceded that the multi-format players would need to play as much cricket as possible. He said in such a manner: “Test cricket is certainly the pinnacle for a lot of us; certainly it is for me, as is a World Cup, so it will be hard to pick and choose." The Australian limited-overs crew has shown up in West Indies for an essential visit in front of the T20 World Cup. Following their Caribbean trip, they will go to Bangladesh for another white-ball series. While many enormous names, including David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith, have opted out from the two tours, Mitchell Starc will be anticipating stretch out beyond the T20 World Cup. "It's a great opportunity for the group to start preparing with a bit more focus on that World Cup," he said. "Don't think I've played 10 T20s in the last four years let alone in the space of a few weeks so personally, it would be nice to get a bit of a rhythm of T20 cricket. "The back end of the summer I was heavily focused on the red-ball so put the white-ball to the side. To prepare for this tour it's all been white-ball focused with what's coming up in the next few months. Preparing for shorter spells, more of a focus on staying unpredictable or variations. I don't change a whole lot in my preparation across the formats but certainly, they'll be a lot more planning and focus on tactically what we'll take on this series."

Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled

Headed for recuperation from his left tennis elbow injury, Australia batsman Steve Smith is focusing on the Ashes over the T20 World Cup planned for October-November this year. He even pulled out of the impending West Indies and Bangladesh visits to nurture the ligament injury.&nbsp;

He said: “There’s still a bit of time between now and, and I’m tracking okay at the moment – it’s slow, but I’m going okay. I’d love to be part of the World Cup, for sure, but from my point of view, Test cricket, that’s my main goal – to be right for the Ashes and try to emulate what I’ve done in the last few Ashes series I’ve been involved in.”&nbsp;

Steve Smith was at his imperious best during the 2019 Ashes, scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57 with three centuries and three fifties. While the five-Test series finished in a 2-2, Steve Smith is focusing on top distinctions this time around.&nbsp;Indeed, even a completely fit Steve Smith will do well to replicate his exhibitions from recent Ashes fights; the world's number two positioned Test batsman has scored a stunning 1,969 runs at 93.76 in 14 matches across the previous three series, with eight centuries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Cricket: Any of us would take a bullet for MS Dhoni, says KL Rahul">Cricket: Any of us would take a bullet for MS Dhoni, says KL Rahul</a>

Those numbers underline exactly how significant the 32-year-old's inclusion will be for the hosts when the contention resumes at the Gabba in barely five months' time, and Steve Smith needs to agree to nothing short of being at his closest to perfect. Steve Smith has focused on replicating his endeavors in England two years prior, regardless of whether it comes at the expense of avoiding the T20 World Cup. He said: “I want to put myself in a position where I can have that kind of impact. If that means not partaking in the World Cup, then we’ll have to go down that path, but hopefully, we don’t have to go there.”&nbsp;

Australia will venture to the Caribbean to play five T20Is and three ODIs, prior to coming down to Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series. The T20 World Cup will follow after &nbsp;50% of IPL 2021, ahead of a long Aussie summer including a solitary Test against Afghanistan and the high power Ashes series.&nbsp;

Steve Smith played through torment in his left wrist during the initial period of IPL 2021. He played six matches for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 104 runs at an unobtrusive strike rate of 111.82. He said: "I actually wasn't exactly 100%, it was all the while annoying me a piece, and I was playing around there cured – taking a few painkillers and hostile to inflammatories each time I batted. It's anything but a point where it wasn't actually working on a lot, and it's anything but somewhat more regrettable while I was around there."&nbsp;

In any case, by his own affirmation, he has made a touch of progress in the last few weeks and needs to stretch out his everyday batting sessions prior to allowing the medicos to deal with his excess recuperation. The way things are, the Delhi Capitals will miss the administrations of Steve Smith when the IPL resumes in the UAE in September. Regardless of whether he will travel to the Emirates the next month for the T20 World Cup stays not yet clear.

Headed for recuperation from his left tennis elbow injury, Australia batsman Steve Smith is focusing on the Ashes over the T20 World Cup planned for October-November this year.

Headed for recuperation from his left tennis elbow injury, Australia batsman Steve Smith is focusing on the Ashes over the T20 World Cup planned for October-November this year. He even pulled out of the impending West Indies and Bangladesh visits to nurture the ligament injury. He said: “There’s still a bit of time between now and, and I’m tracking okay at the moment – it’s slow, but I’m going okay. I’d love to be part of the World Cup, for sure, but from my point of view, Test cricket, that’s my main goal – to be right for the Ashes and try to emulate what I’ve done in the last few Ashes series I’ve been involved in.” Steve Smith was at his imperious best during the 2019 Ashes, scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57 with three centuries and three fifties. While the five-Test series finished in a 2-2, Steve Smith is focusing on top distinctions this time around. Indeed, even a completely fit Steve Smith will do well to replicate his exhibitions from recent Ashes fights; the world's number two positioned Test batsman has scored a stunning 1,969 runs at 93.76 in 14 matches across the previous three series, with eight centuries. ALSO READ: Cricket: Any of us would take a bullet for MS Dhoni, says KL Rahul Those numbers underline exactly how significant the 32-year-old's inclusion will be for the hosts when the contention resumes at the Gabba in barely five months' time, and Steve Smith needs to agree to nothing short of being at his closest to perfect. Steve Smith has focused on replicating his endeavors in England two years prior, regardless of whether it comes at the expense of avoiding the T20 World Cup. He said: “I want to put myself in a position where I can have that kind of impact. If that means not partaking in the World Cup, then we’ll have to go down that path, but hopefully, we don’t have to go there.” Australia will venture to the Caribbean to play five T20Is and three ODIs, prior to coming down to Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series. The T20 World Cup will follow after 50% of IPL 2021, ahead of a long Aussie summer including a solitary Test against Afghanistan and the high power Ashes series. Steve Smith played through torment in his left wrist during the initial period of IPL 2021. He played six matches for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 104 runs at an unobtrusive strike rate of 111.82. He said: "I actually wasn't exactly 100%, it was all the while annoying me a piece, and I was playing around there cured – taking a few painkillers and hostile to inflammatories each time I batted. It's anything but a point where it wasn't actually working on a lot, and it's anything but somewhat more regrettable while I was around there." In any case, by his own affirmation, he has made a touch of progress in the last few weeks and needs to stretch out his everyday batting sessions prior to allowing the medicos to deal with his excess recuperation. The way things are, the Delhi Capitals will miss the administrations of Steve Smith when the IPL resumes in the UAE in September. Regardless of whether he will travel to the Emirates the next month for the T20 World Cup stays not yet clear.

Cricket: Steve Smith ready to sacrifice T20 World Cup participation to be fit for Ashes

Steve Smith has once again become the top-ranked Test batsman, with the ICC refreshing their rankings ahead of the World Test Championship final.

Steve Smith claimed back the No. 1 spot in Tests interestingly since last year's Boxing Day Test. Steve Smith's re-visitation of the top implies he has been at the top for 167 Tests played worldwide altogether. He is just behind Garry Sobers and Viv Richards in the rundown, who have been positioned No. 1 for 189 and 179 matches separately.&nbsp;

With the most recent update, Steve Smith is five points clear at the top of the standings with 891 points to his name. Kane Williamson is second with 886. Kane Williamson, who missed the second Test against England at Edgbaston because of injury in the wake of scoring 13 runs in the drawn first Test at Lord's, has slipped five focuses behind Smith's 891 rating focuses and is second in the players' rundown.

Virat Kohli is the solitary batsman to stride upwards in the ICC Test rankings. The Indian captain moved to fourth position, supplanting Joe Root as the England captain dropped to fifth. Joe Root didn't have the best of times against New Zealand, with him overseeing only 97 runs in two games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-rohit-sharma-understands-when-to-press-accelerator-says-sachin-tendulkar-391833" hreflang="en">Cricket: Rohit Sharma understands when to press accelerator, says Sachin Tendulkar</a>

However, with a five-match Test series against England not too far off after the World Test Championship final, Virat Kohli could before the long ascent to the No. 1 spot if things turn out well for him.&nbsp;

The remainder of the best 10 ICC Test batsmen rankings continues as before. Henry Nicholls, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Babar Azam adjust the rundown.

The most recent men's week after week update, which additionally incorporates exhibitions from the main Test between South Africa and the West Indies in St Lucia, sees Quinton de Kock in the joint-twelfth situation with Cheteshwar Pujara while his countryman Adrian Markram has progressed two slots to arrive at 14th position.&nbsp;

Quinton De Kock, who was named player of the counterpart for scoring an unbeaten 141 that assisted him with joining win by an innings and 63 runs, has acquired 11 situations to accomplish his most elevated situation since December 2019.

Steve Smith has once again become the top-ranked Test batsman, with the ICC refreshing their rankings ahead of the World Test Championship final. Steve Smith claimed back the No.

Steve Smith has once again become the top-ranked Test batsman, with the ICC refreshing their rankings ahead of the World Test Championship final. Steve Smith claimed back the No. 1 spot in Tests interestingly since last year's Boxing Day Test. Steve Smith's re-visitation of the top implies he has been at the top for 167 Tests played worldwide altogether. He is just behind Garry Sobers and Viv Richards in the rundown, who have been positioned No. 1 for 189 and 179 matches separately. With the most recent update, Steve Smith is five points clear at the top of the standings with 891 points to his name. Kane Williamson is second with 886. Kane Williamson, who missed the second Test against England at Edgbaston because of injury in the wake of scoring 13 runs in the drawn first Test at Lord's, has slipped five focuses behind Smith's 891 rating focuses and is second in the players' rundown. Virat Kohli is the solitary batsman to stride upwards in the ICC Test rankings. The Indian captain moved to fourth position, supplanting Joe Root as the England captain dropped to fifth. Joe Root didn't have the best of times against New Zealand, with him overseeing only 97 runs in two games. ALSO READ: Cricket: Rohit Sharma understands when to press accelerator, says Sachin Tendulkar However, with a five-match Test series against England not too far off after the World Test Championship final, Virat Kohli could before the long ascent to the No. 1 spot if things turn out well for him. The remainder of the best 10 ICC Test batsmen rankings continues as before. Henry Nicholls, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Babar Azam adjust the rundown. The most recent men's week after week update, which additionally incorporates exhibitions from the main Test between South Africa and the West Indies in St Lucia, sees Quinton de Kock in the joint-twelfth situation with Cheteshwar Pujara while his countryman Adrian Markram has progressed two slots to arrive at 14th position. Quinton De Kock, who was named player of the counterpart for scoring an unbeaten 141 that assisted him with joining win by an innings and 63 runs, has acquired 11 situations to accomplish his most elevated situation since December 2019.

Cricket: Steve Smith dethrones Kane Williamson to become No.1 Test batsman

Australian stars like Pat Cummins, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell have opted out of the squad that will be travelling to the Caribbean for a white-ball series against West Indies. The Aussies will also miss out on the services of Steve Smith as he has been injured.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-might-have-retired-had-new-zealand-won-2019-world-cup-ross-taylor-391697" hreflang="en">Cricket - Might have retired had New Zealand won 2019 World Cup: Ross Taylor</a>

According to Cricket Australia, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson and Daniel Sams, along with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, had also opted out of the tour for "various reasons".

Australian cricket board's selector Trevor Hohns on Wednesday said that they were disappointed not to have all their players available, however, they respected their decisions to opt-out.&nbsp;

"International tours in the time of COVID-19 undoubtedly present many additional challenges for athletes," Hohns added.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith will be out of action as he is nursing an elbow injury and was "disappointed" to miss out on the tour, Hohns said.&nbsp;

The Aussies will take on West Indies for five T20Is and three ODIs, followed by a five-match T20I series in Bangladesh in August.&nbsp;

<h2>Squad:</h2>

Aaron Finch (Captain), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Australian stars like Pat Cummins, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell have opted out of the squad that will be travelling to the Caribbean for a white-ball series against West Indies.

Australian stars like Pat Cummins, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell have opted out of the squad that will be travelling to the Caribbean for a white-ball series against West Indies. The Aussies will also miss out on the services of Steve Smith as he has been injured. ALSO READ: Cricket - Might have retired had New Zealand won 2019 World Cup: Ross Taylor According to Cricket Australia, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson and Daniel Sams, along with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, had also opted out of the tour for "various reasons". Australian cricket board's selector Trevor Hohns on Wednesday said that they were disappointed not to have all their players available, however, they respected their decisions to opt-out. "International tours in the time of COVID-19 undoubtedly present many additional challenges for athletes," Hohns added. Former Australian captain Steve Smith will be out of action as he is nursing an elbow injury and was "disappointed" to miss out on the tour, Hohns said. The Aussies will take on West Indies for five T20Is and three ODIs, followed by a five-match T20I series in Bangladesh in August. Squad: Aaron Finch (Captain), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Cricket: Major stars opt out of Australian squad for West Indies tour

Tim Paine has backed Marnus Labuschagne to assume control over the captaincy in the future. The Test skipper commended Labuschagne for his inherent capacity, backing him to turn into an extraordinary skipper for Australia.&nbsp;

Labuschagne has ascended to No.3 in the Test rankings since making his first appearance in 2018 and is an essential machine gear piece in Australia's Test series.&nbsp;

Paine addressed the media, where he asserted Labuschagne is headed to getting one of Australia's new leaders.&nbsp;

“He's got some real natural leadership ability and if that's harnessed and helped, I think he'll be a great captain. He's got leadership in him, there's no doubt about that – the way he goes about it, the way he treats people, the way he works on his game, with some time (he) will become an excellent leader for this squad," Paine said.

Labuschagne hasn't had a lot of captaincy experience, with Queensland veteran Usman Khawaja generally taking up the captaincy job for the side. In any case, Paine was unreserved in his recognition for the 26-year-old, recommending how Labuschagne is the future of Australian cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-cook-fears-england-batsmen-cant-handle-test-cricket-after-new-zealand-loss-391219" hreflang="en">Cricket: Cook fears England batsmen 'can't handle Test cricket' after New Zealand loss</a>

"I think he'd be a good leader, Marnus is a great thinker of the game. He's a good team man, he's got so much enthusiasm for his team and the game. With Marnus it's about him evolving into leading more and being more of a leader. He's come into our group and been a really infectious, energetic guy which has been fantastic for our team, but I think in terms of our cricket team improving and Marnus evolving, I think in the next couple of years we'll definitely see him take the step up” - he added.&nbsp;

Paine isn't the solitary Australian who sees authority potential in Marnus Labuschagne. Ricky Ponting had anticipated the humble batsmen would be in the captaincy figuring in 2020.&nbsp;

For the present, Labuschagne stays an external pick for Australia's captaincy. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins stay in front of him in the hierarchy as Australia venture up their making arrangements for their next era in worldwide cricket.

Tim Paine has backed Marnus Labuschagne to assume control over the captaincy in the future. The Test skipper commended Labuschagne for his inherent capacity, backing him to turn into an extraordinary skipper for Australia.

Tim Paine has backed Marnus Labuschagne to assume control over the captaincy in the future. The Test skipper commended Labuschagne for his inherent capacity, backing him to turn into an extraordinary skipper for Australia. Labuschagne has ascended to No.3 in the Test rankings since making his first appearance in 2018 and is an essential machine gear piece in Australia's Test series. Paine addressed the media, where he asserted Labuschagne is headed to getting one of Australia's new leaders. “He's got some real natural leadership ability and if that's harnessed and helped, I think he'll be a great captain. He's got leadership in him, there's no doubt about that – the way he goes about it, the way he treats people, the way he works on his game, with some time (he) will become an excellent leader for this squad," Paine said. Labuschagne hasn't had a lot of captaincy experience, with Queensland veteran Usman Khawaja generally taking up the captaincy job for the side. In any case, Paine was unreserved in his recognition for the 26-year-old, recommending how Labuschagne is the future of Australian cricket. ALSO READ: Cricket: Cook fears England batsmen 'can't handle Test cricket' after New Zealand loss "I think he'd be a good leader, Marnus is a great thinker of the game. He's a good team man, he's got so much enthusiasm for his team and the game. With Marnus it's about him evolving into leading more and being more of a leader. He's come into our group and been a really infectious, energetic guy which has been fantastic for our team, but I think in terms of our cricket team improving and Marnus evolving, I think in the next couple of years we'll definitely see him take the step up” - he added. Paine isn't the solitary Australian who sees authority potential in Marnus Labuschagne. Ricky Ponting had anticipated the humble batsmen would be in the captaincy figuring in 2020. For the present, Labuschagne stays an external pick for Australia's captaincy. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins stay in front of him in the hierarchy as Australia venture up their making arrangements for their next era in worldwide cricket.

Cricket: Tim Paine believes Marnus Labuschagne will be a 'great' captain

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton. The WTC saw extraordinary exhibitions from numerous players.

Here is a glance at the main&nbsp;five batsmen who scored the most runs in the World Test Championship 2019-21.&nbsp;

<h2>Marnus Labuschagne&nbsp;</h2>

A leg-spinner-turned batsman and blasting onto the scene by making the number three spot in Tests. Marnus Labuschagne has shown some stupendous structure of late which has assisted him with solidifying his spot in&nbsp;the Australian Test side.&nbsp;

The hundreds that he has been for the most part enormous hundreds and that likewise goes far in showing his demeanor and readiness to not discard his wicket following a century and to bat for significant stretches.&nbsp;

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne glanced in enormous touch during the primary release of the World Test Championship. He is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 1675 runs from 23 innings at an amazing average of 72.82.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-top-5-wicket-takers-in-world-test-championship-cycle-2019-2021-390163" hreflang="en">Cricket: Top 5 wicket-takers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021</a>

<h2>Joe Root&nbsp;</h2>

English Test skipper Joe Root remains at the second spot in the count of driving run-scorers in the World Test Championship. He has scored 1660 runs at an average of 47.42 including three hundred and eight fifties. Joe Root crushed two double hundreds of years also in WTC.&nbsp;

In only three matches, two against Sri Lanka and one against India, Joe Root has scored 684 runs at an average of 114, with a noteworthy strike rate of 64.65. His exhibitions in three back-to-back England triumphs helped individuals to remember his capacity as perhaps the best player of spin.&nbsp;

Whatever Joe Root proceeds to accomplish between now and the end of his vocation, however, his place at the top table of extraordinary batsmen at present&nbsp;without question.&nbsp;

<h2>Steve Smith&nbsp;</h2>

He doesn't follow the training manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in wonderment. However, he is ostensibly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now.&nbsp;

One of the advanced Test batting greats, Steven Smith keeps on breaking records in the longest arrangement of the game, regardless of whether his exhibitions have dunked marginally in the new past.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-announces-player-of-the-month-nominations-for-may-390145" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC announces player of the month nominations for May</a>

He is viewed as the best Test batsman right now. He won the Test cricketer of the decade award in ICC yearly honors this year. Steve Smith made his comeback following one year ban with a century against England in Ashes 2019, which was likewise the main match of WTC 2019-21. Generally speaking, he scored 1341 runs in 22 innings at an average of 63.85. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties in the period.&nbsp;

<h2>Ben Stokes&nbsp;</h2>

English All-rounder Ben Stokes had an extraordinary effect with the bat in WTC. He amassed 1334 runs in 32 innings at an average of 46. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties during the stage. This incorporates a knock for the ages of 135* played against Australia at Headingley in the Ashes 2019. It was his astounding huge hitting – eight sixes – that carried his group to the doorstep of astonishing success.&nbsp;

The picture of Ben Stokes towards the end of the match, remaining at the focal point of the ground, will go down as perhaps the most famous in English cricket history. Although, his most noteworthy score of 176 in WTC came against West Indies in 2020.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajinkya Rahane&nbsp;</h2>

Having made his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia in Delhi, Rahane has, up until now, represented India in 73 Tests, in which he has scored 4583 runs at an average of 41.28. The right-hander has enrolled 12 hundred and 23 half-hundreds of years&nbsp;

Indian vice-captain in the Test format Ajinkya Rahane is the leading run-scorer among his comrades in the WTC 2019-21. He was likewise the only Indian to cross the 1000-run obstruction in the competition. Ajinkya Rahane scored 1095 runs in 28 innings at an average of 43.80 which included three centuries and 6 fifties. He was the skipper of the Indian team in the last three matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that he is not, at this point in the plan of things in the more limited formats for India, Ajinkya Rahane has stayed a vital component in the longest format, particularly when India has played away from home.

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton.

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton. The WTC saw extraordinary exhibitions from numerous players. Here is a glance at the main five batsmen who scored the most runs in the World Test Championship 2019-21. Marnus Labuschagne A leg-spinner-turned batsman and blasting onto the scene by making the number three spot in Tests. Marnus Labuschagne has shown some stupendous structure of late which has assisted him with solidifying his spot in the Australian Test side. The hundreds that he has been for the most part enormous hundreds and that likewise goes far in showing his demeanor and readiness to not discard his wicket following a century and to bat for significant stretches. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne glanced in enormous touch during the primary release of the World Test Championship. He is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 1675 runs from 23 innings at an amazing average of 72.82. ALSO READ: Cricket: Top 5 wicket-takers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021 Joe Root English Test skipper Joe Root remains at the second spot in the count of driving run-scorers in the World Test Championship. He has scored 1660 runs at an average of 47.42 including three hundred and eight fifties. Joe Root crushed two double hundreds of years also in WTC. In only three matches, two against Sri Lanka and one against India, Joe Root has scored 684 runs at an average of 114, with a noteworthy strike rate of 64.65. His exhibitions in three back-to-back England triumphs helped individuals to remember his capacity as perhaps the best player of spin. Whatever Joe Root proceeds to accomplish between now and the end of his vocation, however, his place at the top table of extraordinary batsmen at present without question. Steve Smith He doesn't follow the training manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in wonderment. However, he is ostensibly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now. One of the advanced Test batting greats, Steven Smith keeps on breaking records in the longest arrangement of the game, regardless of whether his exhibitions have dunked marginally in the new past. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC announces player of the month nominations for May He is viewed as the best Test batsman right now. He won the Test cricketer of the decade award in ICC yearly honors this year. Steve Smith made his comeback following one year ban with a century against England in Ashes 2019, which was likewise the main match of WTC 2019-21. Generally speaking, he scored 1341 runs in 22 innings at an average of 63.85. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties in the period. Ben Stokes English All-rounder Ben Stokes had an extraordinary effect with the bat in WTC. He amassed 1334 runs in 32 innings at an average of 46. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties during the stage. This incorporates a knock for the ages of 135* played against Australia at Headingley in the Ashes 2019. It was his astounding huge hitting – eight sixes – that carried his group to the doorstep of astonishing success. The picture of Ben Stokes towards the end of the match, remaining at the focal point of the ground, will go down as perhaps the most famous in English cricket history. Although, his most noteworthy score of 176 in WTC came against West Indies in 2020. Ajinkya Rahane Having made his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia in Delhi, Rahane has, up until now, represented India in 73 Tests, in which he has scored 4583 runs at an average of 41.28. The right-hander has enrolled 12 hundred and 23 half-hundreds of years Indian vice-captain in the Test format Ajinkya Rahane is the leading run-scorer among his comrades in the WTC 2019-21. He was likewise the only Indian to cross the 1000-run obstruction in the competition. Ajinkya Rahane scored 1095 runs in 28 innings at an average of 43.80 which included three centuries and 6 fifties. He was the skipper of the Indian team in the last three matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. Despite the fact that he is not, at this point in the plan of things in the more limited formats for India, Ajinkya Rahane has stayed a vital component in the longest format, particularly when India has played away from home.

Cricket: Top 5 run-scorers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021

Steve Smith was removed from the role of captaincy after he was handed a 12-month ban after the ball-tampering fiasco during the Newlands Test in 2018. Aaron Finch and Tim Paine took over the reins in limited-overs and Tests respectively. However, former English cricketer David Gowler feels that if Steve Smith becomes the captain of the Aussie side it would encourage people to talk about the infamous Sandpaper Gate incident and create problems for the star batsman.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-it-leaves-a-sour-taste-in-the-mouth-aakash-chopra-on-joint-winners-in-wtc-finals-388178" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'It leaves a sour taste in the mouth': Aakash Chopra on joint winners in WTC finals</a>

Steve Smith, along with the then vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft faced sanctions by the Australian cricket board over the incident.&nbsp;

“People love rehashing an old scandal,” Gower told Fox Cricket’s Road to the Ashes Podcast.

“There was a lot of righteous indignation at the time, there was a severe punishment meted out to the people deemed to be guilty; year-long bans, that’s a long time. Considering the ICC said, give it a few weeks, that’ll be fine. Then Cricket Australia says, ‘no, no, no, we’re going to make an issue of this and make it a good year and strip a man of the captaincy and ban everyone else for almost a lifetime’, not quite, so I think it has been done.”

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a>

“We know he’s not going to do that until Tim Paine (retires),” Gower said.

“From my perspective, Tim’s done a remarkably good job dealing with all the fallout of from the ball-tampering scandal.

“So he’s had to try and do something to restore the reputation of Australian cricket and yet keep that hard, competitive spirit that we all know so well at the forefront. That’s quite a tough balancing act.

“He’s had his own performances to worry about, of course, but I think he’s done a pretty good job, so for Tim, the ultimate finish to a captaincy career would be to win the Ashes come your summer, so that would be a fitting way if he can.

“Then you’ve got some decisions to make, but I think if Steve is offered the captaincy again, or if they consider that, there will be problems because people will instantly latch on to what we’ve been talking about,” Gower further added.

“He’s proven himself a strong character since then.

“It’s all a question about what the alternatives are because if you have someone who is ready and waiting to take on the role fresh, then I think that’s probably a better idea and you let somebody like Steve keep his senior role, obviously with the Ashes at stake he’ll be trying to make the same amount of runs he made last time, and it’s potentially a better thing for him to carry on with the game, not go back to that previous life which will inevitably mean things are raked over again," he signed off.

Steve Smith was removed from the role of captaincy after he was handed a 12-month ban after the ball-tampering fiasco during the Newlands Test in 2018. Aaron Finch and Tim Paine took over the reins in limited-overs and Tests respectively.

Steve Smith was removed from the role of captaincy after he was handed a 12-month ban after the ball-tampering fiasco during the Newlands Test in 2018. Aaron Finch and Tim Paine took over the reins in limited-overs and Tests respectively. However, former English cricketer David Gowler feels that if Steve Smith becomes the captain of the Aussie side it would encourage people to talk about the infamous Sandpaper Gate incident and create problems for the star batsman. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'It leaves a sour taste in the mouth': Aakash Chopra on joint winners in WTC finals Steve Smith, along with the then vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft faced sanctions by the Australian cricket board over the incident. “People love rehashing an old scandal,” Gower told Fox Cricket’s Road to the Ashes Podcast. “There was a lot of righteous indignation at the time, there was a severe punishment meted out to the people deemed to be guilty; year-long bans, that’s a long time. Considering the ICC said, give it a few weeks, that’ll be fine. Then Cricket Australia says, ‘no, no, no, we’re going to make an issue of this and make it a good year and strip a man of the captaincy and ban everyone else for almost a lifetime’, not quite, so I think it has been done.” IN PICS| Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 “We know he’s not going to do that until Tim Paine (retires),” Gower said. “From my perspective, Tim’s done a remarkably good job dealing with all the fallout of from the ball-tampering scandal. “So he’s had to try and do something to restore the reputation of Australian cricket and yet keep that hard, competitive spirit that we all know so well at the forefront. That’s quite a tough balancing act. “He’s had his own performances to worry about, of course, but I think he’s done a pretty good job, so for Tim, the ultimate finish to a captaincy career would be to win the Ashes come your summer, so that would be a fitting way if he can. “Then you’ve got some decisions to make, but I think if Steve is offered the captaincy again, or if they consider that, there will be problems because people will instantly latch on to what we’ve been talking about,” Gower further added. “He’s proven himself a strong character since then. “It’s all a question about what the alternatives are because if you have someone who is ready and waiting to take on the role fresh, then I think that’s probably a better idea and you let somebody like Steve keep his senior role, obviously with the Ashes at stake he’ll be trying to make the same amount of runs he made last time, and it’s potentially a better thing for him to carry on with the game, not go back to that previous life which will inevitably mean things are raked over again," he signed off.

Cricket: 'People love rehashing an old scandal', says David Gowler if Steve Smith handed captaincy

Stuart Broad believes that more content with respect to the 2018 sandpaper gate scandal will be revealed when David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft retire from international cricket. The ball-tampering scandal including the three Australian cricketers came into the spotlight again&nbsp;after Bancroft recently hinted that Aussie bowlers were aware of the plot.

Cricket Australia's Integrity Team has contacted Cameron Bancroft to check whether he has new information to give on the issue.

Talking about the entire incident, Broad said that on the off chance in which he misses a seam by four millimeters, his pace bowling partner James Anderson rushes to tell him that he is missing the seam, proposing that bowlers in the team are very much aware of the state of the ball and need to look after it.

"I've obviously never bowled within the Australian bowling attack but I can talk about how, in an England Test team, if I miss the seam by four millimeters, Jimmy Anderson is on me. He'll be saying why has this ball got a mark on it here? It's because you've missed the seam! Start hitting the seam, will you," Broad was&nbsp;quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

"I have seen a couple of comments from David Warner's agent, too, and I think it will be an interesting time when he stops playing for Australia and writes a book."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-dont-think-he-has-too-many-weaknesses-umesh-yadav-points-at-key-wicket-for-team-india-385786" hreflang="en">WTC Final: 'Don’t think he has too many weaknesses' - Umesh Yadav points at key wicket for Team India</a>

Broad clarified that reverse swing with the red ball can be influenced by various elements and everybody in the team plays a part in keeping it fit as a fiddle.&nbsp;

“If you chase it to the boundary and throw it into the grass it can smooth the ball over and stop it reversing. If you touch the ball with wet hands it will stop it from reversing. If you shine it in a way that smooths over the rough side it will stop it from reversing. So as an England team, we are aware if we're trying to get the ball reversing every player has to buy into that or it will stop it," the veteran English pacer said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-ms-dhoni-imitates-ravindra-jadejas-sword-celebration-csk-all-rounder-responds-watch-385679" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: MS Dhoni imitates Ravindra Jadeja's sword celebration, CSK all-rounder responds - Watch</a>

The English seamer didn't say that this controversy will be in concentration during the Ashes but indicated that the fan group&nbsp;Barmy Army may have a thing to two to say about it.&nbsp;

"There's no doubt the Aussies would have been hoping this episode was signed sealed and delivered. It was an incredibly tough thing for those three players to go through. I can't see it still being a conversation [when the Ashes start] in November, December, but I can see it being sung in the Barmy Army stands if they're allowed” - he added.

In March 2018, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to tamper with the state of the ball utilising sandpaper in a Test match against South Africa. The scandal later proceeded to be marked as the 'Sandpaper Gate' and is considered as probably the most obscure crossroads throughout the entire existence of Australian cricket. 
&nbsp;

Stuart Broad believes that more content with respect to the 2018 sandpaper gate scandal will be revealed when David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft retire from international cricket.

Stuart Broad believes that more content with respect to the 2018 sandpaper gate scandal will be revealed when David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft retire from international cricket. The ball-tampering scandal including the three Australian cricketers came into the spotlight again after Bancroft recently hinted that Aussie bowlers were aware of the plot. Cricket Australia's Integrity Team has contacted Cameron Bancroft to check whether he has new information to give on the issue. Talking about the entire incident, Broad said that on the off chance in which he misses a seam by four millimeters, his pace bowling partner James Anderson rushes to tell him that he is missing the seam, proposing that bowlers in the team are very much aware of the state of the ball and need to look after it. "I've obviously never bowled within the Australian bowling attack but I can talk about how, in an England Test team, if I miss the seam by four millimeters, Jimmy Anderson is on me. He'll be saying why has this ball got a mark on it here? It's because you've missed the seam! Start hitting the seam, will you," Broad was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "I have seen a couple of comments from David Warner's agent, too, and I think it will be an interesting time when he stops playing for Australia and writes a book." ALSO READ: WTC Final: 'Don’t think he has too many weaknesses' - Umesh Yadav points at key wicket for Team India Broad clarified that reverse swing with the red ball can be influenced by various elements and everybody in the team plays a part in keeping it fit as a fiddle. “If you chase it to the boundary and throw it into the grass it can smooth the ball over and stop it reversing. If you touch the ball with wet hands it will stop it from reversing. If you shine it in a way that smooths over the rough side it will stop it from reversing. So as an England team, we are aware if we're trying to get the ball reversing every player has to buy into that or it will stop it," the veteran English pacer said. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: MS Dhoni imitates Ravindra Jadeja's sword celebration, CSK all-rounder responds - Watch The English seamer didn't say that this controversy will be in concentration during the Ashes but indicated that the fan group Barmy Army may have a thing to two to say about it. "There's no doubt the Aussies would have been hoping this episode was signed sealed and delivered. It was an incredibly tough thing for those three players to go through. I can't see it still being a conversation [when the Ashes start] in November, December, but I can see it being sung in the Barmy Army stands if they're allowed” - he added. In March 2018, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to tamper with the state of the ball utilising sandpaper in a Test match against South Africa. The scandal later proceeded to be marked as the 'Sandpaper Gate' and is considered as probably the most obscure crossroads throughout the entire existence of Australian cricket.

Cricket: 'Will be interesting when David Warner writes a book': Stuart Broad reacts on sandpaper gate

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.

Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus.

In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said:

“They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said.

Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-played-extraordinary-cricket-in-recent-times-says-pace-maestro-mohammed-shami-385426" hreflang="en">'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami</a>

Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident.

“It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said.

Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-a-match-fixer-michael-vaughan-hits-back-at-salman-butt-385416" hreflang="en">'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt</a>

"Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added.

Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage. 
&nbsp;

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever. Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus. In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said: “They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said. Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'. ALSO READ: 'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident. “It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said. Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket. ALSO READ: 'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt "Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added. Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage.

Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side.&nbsp;

Tim Paine as of late upheld Steve Smith to get back to the leadership role. The wicket-keeper batsman embraced Steve Smith's captaincy, asserting he will completely uphold the choice if the batsman returns as commander.&nbsp;

Ian Chappell has now shed his assessment on Steve Smith as skipper. In an interview with the Wide World Of Sports, Ian Chappell advised the administration to shun making Smith skipper.

"I think it's time to move on. To me, if you go back to Smith, you're going backward. It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror,” Chappell explained. 
Ian Chappell likewise spoke about Cameron Bancroft's new remarks, where he indicated the Australian bowlers knew about the ball-tampering embarrassment in South Africa. Alluding to Bancroft's assertion, Ian Chappell felt it was unavoidable before new subtleties on the Sandpaper-Gate outrage came out.&nbsp;

"It's probably something that's been on Bancroft's chest for a while, and he's tried to get it off his chest as diplomatically as he possibly could. I'm not surprised, because Bancroft's one of only three that got pinged for what happened, and most people would realize that there were more than three people involved,” Chappell said.

Ian Chappell feels Pat Cummins should in any case be the following pick for Australia captain, regardless of whether he knew about the ball-tampering scandal. He feels the weight of obligation eventually tumbles to Steve Smith.&nbsp;

"If people start jumping up and down about Pat Cummins captaining Australia if he knew, well the answer is pretty clear because it falls back on Smith. He's the bloke who should have stopped it. The captain's got the overall say and power to stop it, and he didn't. I don't think it should count against Pat Cummins, even if they decide the bowlers did know. Smith is the bloke who should have made sure the whole thing never started” - he concluded. 
&nbsp;

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side.

Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain. The former cricketer feels getting Steve Smith back would be a step in reverse for the national side. Tim Paine as of late upheld Steve Smith to get back to the leadership role. The wicket-keeper batsman embraced Steve Smith's captaincy, asserting he will completely uphold the choice if the batsman returns as commander. Ian Chappell has now shed his assessment on Steve Smith as skipper. In an interview with the Wide World Of Sports, Ian Chappell advised the administration to shun making Smith skipper. "I think it's time to move on. To me, if you go back to Smith, you're going backward. It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror,” Chappell explained. Ian Chappell likewise spoke about Cameron Bancroft's new remarks, where he indicated the Australian bowlers knew about the ball-tampering embarrassment in South Africa. Alluding to Bancroft's assertion, Ian Chappell felt it was unavoidable before new subtleties on the Sandpaper-Gate outrage came out. "It's probably something that's been on Bancroft's chest for a while, and he's tried to get it off his chest as diplomatically as he possibly could. I'm not surprised, because Bancroft's one of only three that got pinged for what happened, and most people would realize that there were more than three people involved,” Chappell said. Ian Chappell feels Pat Cummins should in any case be the following pick for Australia captain, regardless of whether he knew about the ball-tampering scandal. He feels the weight of obligation eventually tumbles to Steve Smith. "If people start jumping up and down about Pat Cummins captaining Australia if he knew, well the answer is pretty clear because it falls back on Smith. He's the bloke who should have stopped it. The captain's got the overall say and power to stop it, and he didn't. I don't think it should count against Pat Cummins, even if they decide the bowlers did know. Smith is the bloke who should have made sure the whole thing never started” - he concluded.

'It's time to look ahead, not in the rear-vision mirror': Ian Chappell isn't too excited about seeing Steve Smith return as Australia captain

Cameron Bancroft is out of quarantine and, in the wake of being "brutally cold" on his appearance in Durham a week ago, the Australian batsman is starting to defrost and open up to another period of English county cricket. “I wouldn’t say the mornings have been red-hot,” he says dryly at Durham’s serene Riverside ground, “but they’re significantly warmer than when I got here and the wind was coming in from the Arctic.”

Bancroft gives a burning understanding of the unforgiving pressing factors that shadow elite game when he was requested that he return us to the second day of his Test debut against England at the Gabba in Brisbane in November 2017. After England had been bowled out for 302 in their first innings, Bancroft left with David Warner to confront Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. “I remember feeling so nervous that I couldn’t control my body,” Bancroft reveals. “I had a lot of stress because I wanted to do really well and it was a dream of mine to play Test cricket for Australia.”

“I invested too much to the point where I lost control of my values. What had become important to me was being liked, being well valued, feeling really important to my teammates, like I was contributing something by using sandpaper on a cricket ball. That’s something I don’t think I even understood until that mistake happened. But it’s part of the journey and a hard lesson I needed to learn.” – said Cameron Bancroft in a conversation with The Guardian.

Cameron Bancroft has proposed that Australian bowlers were likewise aware of the sandpaper plot in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018. An interior investigation at the time by Cricket Australia found that David Warner asked Bancroft to rub sandpaper ready, while captain Steve Smith chose to choose to disregard.

Thus, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, and Steve Smith were suspended. In any case, in a surprising disclosure, Bancroft has implied that the Australian bowlers were likewise very much aware of the sandpaper ploy. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon were the Australian bowlers who included in the scandalous Test match.

In the wake of being trapped in 2018, Steve Smith said the team's "leadership group" knew about the thing that was going on, and no names had come out at that point. However, Cameron Bancroft has now recommended that the bowling department thought about the plot.

"Yeah, look, I think, yeah, I think it’s pretty probably self-explanatory," an uneasy Bancroft told The Guardian when asked about whom else knew about the ploy apart from the banned players.

"Look, all I wanted to do was to be responsible and accountable for my own actions and part. Yeah, obviously what I did benefits bowlers, and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory. I guess one thing I learned through the journey and being responsible is that’s where the buck stops. Had I had better awareness I would have made a much better decision," the batsman added further.

In cricketing terms, “it makes me feel a little sh*t. I was just settling and then, of course, it was lost," Bancroft said of his suspension.

Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vocation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket. 
&nbsp;

Cameron Bancroft is out of quarantine and, in the wake of being "brutally cold" on his appearance in Durham a week ago, the Australian batsman is starting to defrost and open up to another period of English county cricket.

Cameron Bancroft is out of quarantine and, in the wake of being "brutally cold" on his appearance in Durham a week ago, the Australian batsman is starting to defrost and open up to another period of English county cricket. “I wouldn’t say the mornings have been red-hot,” he says dryly at Durham’s serene Riverside ground, “but they’re significantly warmer than when I got here and the wind was coming in from the Arctic.” Bancroft gives a burning understanding of the unforgiving pressing factors that shadow elite game when he was requested that he return us to the second day of his Test debut against England at the Gabba in Brisbane in November 2017. After England had been bowled out for 302 in their first innings, Bancroft left with David Warner to confront Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad. “I remember feeling so nervous that I couldn’t control my body,” Bancroft reveals. “I had a lot of stress because I wanted to do really well and it was a dream of mine to play Test cricket for Australia.” “I invested too much to the point where I lost control of my values. What had become important to me was being liked, being well valued, feeling really important to my teammates, like I was contributing something by using sandpaper on a cricket ball. That’s something I don’t think I even understood until that mistake happened. But it’s part of the journey and a hard lesson I needed to learn.” – said Cameron Bancroft in a conversation with The Guardian. Cameron Bancroft has proposed that Australian bowlers were likewise aware of the sandpaper plot in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018. An interior investigation at the time by Cricket Australia found that David Warner asked Bancroft to rub sandpaper ready, while captain Steve Smith chose to choose to disregard. Thus, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, and Steve Smith were suspended. In any case, in a surprising disclosure, Bancroft has implied that the Australian bowlers were likewise very much aware of the sandpaper ploy. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Nathan Lyon were the Australian bowlers who included in the scandalous Test match. In the wake of being trapped in 2018, Steve Smith said the team's "leadership group" knew about the thing that was going on, and no names had come out at that point. However, Cameron Bancroft has now recommended that the bowling department thought about the plot. "Yeah, look, I think, yeah, I think it’s pretty probably self-explanatory," an uneasy Bancroft told The Guardian when asked about whom else knew about the ploy apart from the banned players. "Look, all I wanted to do was to be responsible and accountable for my own actions and part. Yeah, obviously what I did benefits bowlers, and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory. I guess one thing I learned through the journey and being responsible is that’s where the buck stops. Had I had better awareness I would have made a much better decision," the batsman added further. In cricketing terms, “it makes me feel a little sh*t. I was just settling and then, of course, it was lost," Bancroft said of his suspension. Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vocation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket.

Cameron Bancroft hints Australian bowlers were aware of the sandpaper plot

Steve Smith is one of the standouts amongst other batsmen in the world. The Aussie player has won the Cricket World Cup once, yet has never been a part of an IPL-winning team.&nbsp;

This year, Smith procured an agreement from the Delhi Capitals. The former Aussie skipper made his introduction for the franchise on April 18 against the Punjab Kings, and he has scored 42 runs in two innings.&nbsp;

The right-hand batsman is eager to win his first IPL trophy this year. During his appearance on DC All Access, Steve Smith&nbsp;expressed that winning the title with DC&nbsp;was a definitive goal.

"It hasn't been difficult at all, just a really good group of people. Ana, who brings everyone together, you know for a common cause, and that's trying to do everything we can, to make the time enjoyable for everyone but winning the IPL is obviously the ultimate goal."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-maxwell-to-dhawan-five-players-who-have-rocked-ipl-2021-so-far-379570" hreflang="en">From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far</a>

Steve Smith was the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020. Nevertheless, the Royals released him after the side completed toward the end in the past season. Delhi Capitals marked Smith for 2.2 crores at IPL Auction 2021. They benched him for the initial two matches prior to giving him his lady Delhi Capitals cap against Punjab.

<h2>"Nice to spend a bit of time in the middle with Shikhar the other day" - said Steve Smith</h2>

Steve Smith and Shikhar Dhawan sewed a 53-run organization for the second wicket against the Mumbai Indians. The two batsmen guaranteed that the Delhi Capitals pursued the 138-run focus without losing an excessive number of wickets.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-ajit-agarkar-criticises-chennai-pitch-used-in-mumbai-indians-vs-punjab-kings-match-379767" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Ajit Agarkar criticises Chennai pitch used in Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match</a>

<h2>Remarking on his organisation with Dhawan, Steve Smith added</h2>

"Nice to spend a bit of time in the middle with Shikhar the other day. You know he's batting superbly, so takes a lot of pressure off. So it was nice to spend some time out there and enjoy it and yeah hopefully some big runs in the next few games."

Steve Smith will be in action on Sunday when the Delhi Capitals take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Steve Smith is one of the standouts amongst other batsmen in the world. The Aussie player has won the Cricket World Cup once, yet has never been a part of an IPL-winning team.

Steve Smith is one of the standouts amongst other batsmen in the world. The Aussie player has won the Cricket World Cup once, yet has never been a part of an IPL-winning team. This year, Smith procured an agreement from the Delhi Capitals. The former Aussie skipper made his introduction for the franchise on April 18 against the Punjab Kings, and he has scored 42 runs in two innings. The right-hand batsman is eager to win his first IPL trophy this year. During his appearance on DC All Access, Steve Smith expressed that winning the title with DC was a definitive goal. "It hasn't been difficult at all, just a really good group of people. Ana, who brings everyone together, you know for a common cause, and that's trying to do everything we can, to make the time enjoyable for everyone but winning the IPL is obviously the ultimate goal." ALSO READ: From Maxwell to Dhawan: Five players who have rocked IPL 2021 so far Steve Smith was the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020. Nevertheless, the Royals released him after the side completed toward the end in the past season. Delhi Capitals marked Smith for 2.2 crores at IPL Auction 2021. They benched him for the initial two matches prior to giving him his lady Delhi Capitals cap against Punjab. "Nice to spend a bit of time in the middle with Shikhar the other day" - said Steve Smith Steve Smith and Shikhar Dhawan sewed a 53-run organization for the second wicket against the Mumbai Indians. The two batsmen guaranteed that the Delhi Capitals pursued the 138-run focus without losing an excessive number of wickets. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Ajit Agarkar criticises Chennai pitch used in Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match Remarking on his organisation with Dhawan, Steve Smith added "Nice to spend a bit of time in the middle with Shikhar the other day. You know he's batting superbly, so takes a lot of pressure off. So it was nice to spend some time out there and enjoy it and yeah hopefully some big runs in the next few games." Steve Smith will be in action on Sunday when the Delhi Capitals take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

IPL 2021: Steve Smith expresses wish to 'win IPL' with Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting was left surprised by how DC snapped up Steve Smith on the cheap for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Ponting hinted that Smith is not a definite starter in the DC playing XI, he said that the Australian batsman will have added motivation given he was released by Rajasthan Royals and mega-auction is approaching next season. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Ponting revealed that Smith’s name wasn’t discussed during the auction strategy as they thought the Aussie would be too expensive for them. However, IPL 2021 auction left the former Aussie skipper surprised. <o:p></o:p>

"I'm not really sure how we got him so cheap," Ponting told cricket.com.au this week ahead of the 2021 tournament, which starts on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

"It was quite clear that a lot of other teams had more money than us going into the auction. A lot of other teams released more players, so they got a lot of their salary cap back.<o:p></o:p>

"So going into the auction, we hadn't really spoken a lot about Smithy. His name did come up in some of the strategy stuff, but … we just thought 'we're getting outbid', simple as that. So we hadn't put that much time into it.<o:p></o:p>

"I was on the phone at home actually watching the auction live and talking to our owners as it was all happening. And that one bid came from us, and it was one bid and bang! Sold to Delhi Capitals.<o:p></o:p>

"It was actually quite remarkable how it turned out because that sort of class doesn't come around all the time and that sort of experience doesn't come around all the time."<o:p></o:p>

While Smith will bring extensive experience along with him, he sees himself in a battle to start for DC in IPL 2021. With only four overseas players allowed, the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Marcus Stonis have done enough to find their names on the team sheet. Smith will have to battle the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes and Tom Curran for the fourth overseas squad in the playing XI.<o:p></o:p>

"I think the fact that he's been released from the franchise that he's been at for a long time will make him a bit hungry as well this year," he said.<o:p></o:p>

"So, if he gets an opportunity with us – I think it will be in the top three somewhere – if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll have a great year for us.<o:p></o:p>

"I caught up with him (recently), he's very, very keen to go out there and perform well.<o:p></o:p>

"Obviously the other side of that is there's a big auction again next year, so if he happens to have a really good IPL this year, then I'm sure that that price is going to go up for the coming season.<o:p></o:p>

"(It's) great to have him as a part of our squad. As I said – even if he doesn't play, for instance, to have someone like that around with his sort of knowledge on the game and the T20 game, will be great for our group. I can't wait to work with him again.<o:p></o:p>

"When you get a chance to play in a competition like that, which is as strong as it is, it can't hurt you, that's for sure. You can take so much from it because you're playing against the best players in the world for eight weeks in a row."<o:p></o:p>

DC will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.<o:p></o:p>

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting was left surprised by how DC snapped up Steve Smith on the cheap for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Ponting hinted that Smith is not a definite starter in the DC playing XI, he said that the Australian batsman will have added motivation given he was released by Rajasthan Royals and mega-auction is approaching next season.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting was left surprised by how DC snapped up Steve Smith on the cheap for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Ponting hinted that Smith is not a definite starter in the DC playing XI, he said that the Australian batsman will have added motivation given he was released by Rajasthan Royals and mega-auction is approaching next season. Ponting revealed that Smith’s name wasn’t discussed during the auction strategy as they thought the Aussie would be too expensive for them. However, IPL 2021 auction left the former Aussie skipper surprised. "I'm not really sure how we got him so cheap," Ponting told cricket.com.au this week ahead of the 2021 tournament, which starts on Friday. "It was quite clear that a lot of other teams had more money than us going into the auction. A lot of other teams released more players, so they got a lot of their salary cap back. "So going into the auction, we hadn't really spoken a lot about Smithy. His name did come up in some of the strategy stuff, but … we just thought 'we're getting outbid', simple as that. So we hadn't put that much time into it. "I was on the phone at home actually watching the auction live and talking to our owners as it was all happening. And that one bid came from us, and it was one bid and bang! Sold to Delhi Capitals. "It was actually quite remarkable how it turned out because that sort of class doesn't come around all the time and that sort of experience doesn't come around all the time." While Smith will bring extensive experience along with him, he sees himself in a battle to start for DC in IPL 2021. With only four overseas players allowed, the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Marcus Stonis have done enough to find their names on the team sheet. Smith will have to battle the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes and Tom Curran for the fourth overseas squad in the playing XI. "I think the fact that he's been released from the franchise that he's been at for a long time will make him a bit hungry as well this year," he said. "So, if he gets an opportunity with us – I think it will be in the top three somewhere – if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll have a great year for us. "I caught up with him (recently), he's very, very keen to go out there and perform well. "Obviously the other side of that is there's a big auction again next year, so if he happens to have a really good IPL this year, then I'm sure that that price is going to go up for the coming season. "(It's) great to have him as a part of our squad. As I said – even if he doesn't play, for instance, to have someone like that around with his sort of knowledge on the game and the T20 game, will be great for our group. I can't wait to work with him again. "When you get a chance to play in a competition like that, which is as strong as it is, it can't hurt you, that's for sure. You can take so much from it because you're playing against the best players in the world for eight weeks in a row." DC will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.

Getting released by RR will make Steve Smith hungry for IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals' Ricky Ponting

Australian batsman Steve Smith on Saturday joined his new franchise Delhi Capitals and will go through a seven-day mandatory quarantine ahead of the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

Former Rajasthan Royals skipper joined the Delhi Capitals after they bought him for 2.2 crore rupees in this year's IPL auctions in February.&nbsp;

The franchise took to Twitter and shared the image of the star batsman and the Gateway of India in one frame and wrote: "2 monumental icons in one frame. Welcome to the DC family, @stevesmith49".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 😌 
 
Welcome to the DC family, <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevesmith49</a> 🙌🏽💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiNayiDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiNayiDilli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TajMahalMumbai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TajMahalMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/51IfI2OjGI">pic.twitter.com/51IfI2OjGI</a>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1378250172526817280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Smith and his Australian teammate Marcus Stoinis will hardly get any time to train before their team's first match in the cash-rich T20 league on April 10. The team led by Rishabh Pant will face MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp;

Smith's 2011 World Cup captain Ricky Ponting is the head coach of the team.&nbsp;

However, the franchise has had couple of setbacks before the league kicked off. Their star captain Shreyas Iyer has been injured and is feared will miss the complete season. Their star-allrounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the league.&nbsp;

Australian batsman Steve Smith on Saturday joined his new franchise Delhi Capitals and will go through a seven-day mandatory quarantine ahead of the Indian Premier League.

Australian batsman Steve Smith on Saturday joined his new franchise Delhi Capitals and will go through a seven-day mandatory quarantine ahead of the Indian Premier League. Former Rajasthan Royals skipper joined the Delhi Capitals after they bought him for 2.2 crore rupees in this year's IPL auctions in February. The franchise took to Twitter and shared the image of the star batsman and the Gateway of India in one frame and wrote: "2 monumental icons in one frame. Welcome to the DC family, @stevesmith49". 𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 😌 Welcome to the DC family, @stevesmith49 🙌🏽💙#YehHaiNayiDilli @TajMahalMumbai pic.twitter.com/51IfI2OjGI — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 3, 2021 × Smith and his Australian teammate Marcus Stoinis will hardly get any time to train before their team's first match in the cash-rich T20 league on April 10. The team led by Rishabh Pant will face MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Smith's 2011 World Cup captain Ricky Ponting is the head coach of the team. However, the franchise has had couple of setbacks before the league kicked off. Their star captain Shreyas Iyer has been injured and is feared will miss the complete season. Their star-allrounder Axar Patel has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the league.

IPL 2021- Delhi Capitals' star batsman Steve Smith arrives in Mumbai

Rising Pune Supergiants featured in just two Indian Premier League seasons (2016, 2017) because Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years. MS Dhoni led the IPL franchise in 2016 but was replaced in 2017 by Australian batsman Steve Smith.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/weve-got-a-big-winter-ahead-csk-pacer-josh-hazlewood-opts-out-of-ipl-2021-374632" hreflang="en">'We've got a big winter ahead': CSK pacer Josh Hazlewood opts out of IPL 2021</a>

In 2017, the Rising Pune Supergiants reached the finals of the Indian Premier League but lost by 1 run against Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians. However, former RPS player Rajat Bhatia gave a bold statement on Steve Smith's captaincy (in 2017) in the inaugural episode of SportsTiger’s new interview series - Interact. Personal. Laugh &amp; Life, where he said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the main reason the team made it to the season finale.

He said: “IPL is a tournament where every franchise has its own call. They mostly trust the big names available in the squad. The trend of giving captaincy to an overseas player is still going on. But I was never in favour of this as overseas players aren’t aware of the domestic players.”

“You can never compare Dhoni with Steve Smith. If we look at all the 10 franchises, Smith doesn’t even feature in the top 10 captains for me. Smith had no idea about captaincy and he did not know which bowler to bring in amid a crucial situation and who to trust for the death overs. I was surprised that Rajasthan Royals trusted him with the leadership role and now they let them go,” he said.

“For me, a successful captain in IPL is one who is an Indian player and know the domestic cricketers very well. Smith didn’t even know Rahul Tripathi represents which state or bats at what position. We [Rising Pune Supergiant] made it to IPL 2017 final because of MS Dhoni and not Steve Smith,” he added.

Bhatia has featured in 95 games in the Indian Premier League. He has played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Kolkata Knight Riders. The all-rounder scalped 71 wickets and scored 342.

Rising Pune Supergiants featured in just two Indian Premier League seasons (2016, 2017) because Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years.

Rising Pune Supergiants featured in just two Indian Premier League seasons (2016, 2017) because Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years. MS Dhoni led the IPL franchise in 2016 but was replaced in 2017 by Australian batsman Steve Smith. ALSO READ: 'We've got a big winter ahead': CSK pacer Josh Hazlewood opts out of IPL 2021 In 2017, the Rising Pune Supergiants reached the finals of the Indian Premier League but lost by 1 run against Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians. However, former RPS player Rajat Bhatia gave a bold statement on Steve Smith's captaincy (in 2017) in the inaugural episode of SportsTiger’s new interview series - Interact. Personal. Laugh & Life, where he said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the main reason the team made it to the season finale. He said: “IPL is a tournament where every franchise has its own call. They mostly trust the big names available in the squad. The trend of giving captaincy to an overseas player is still going on. But I was never in favour of this as overseas players aren’t aware of the domestic players.” “You can never compare Dhoni with Steve Smith. If we look at all the 10 franchises, Smith doesn’t even feature in the top 10 captains for me. Smith had no idea about captaincy and he did not know which bowler to bring in amid a crucial situation and who to trust for the death overs. I was surprised that Rajasthan Royals trusted him with the leadership role and now they let them go,” he said. “For me, a successful captain in IPL is one who is an Indian player and know the domestic cricketers very well. Smith didn’t even know Rahul Tripathi represents which state or bats at what position. We [Rising Pune Supergiant] made it to IPL 2017 final because of MS Dhoni and not Steve Smith,” he added. Bhatia has featured in 95 games in the Indian Premier League. He has played for Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Kolkata Knight Riders. The all-rounder scalped 71 wickets and scored 342.

'Rising Pune Supergiant made it to IPL 2017 final because of Dhoni and not Smith': Rajat Bhatia

Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that&nbsp;the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs).&nbsp;

"We have two very good captains and two important competitions coming up -- an Ashes and a T20 World Cup. Our future looks good," Langer told the ABC, as reported by Fox Sports.&nbsp;

"Despite the media chatter there is no captaincy position available," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Smith opened up about his willingness to lead Australia. He was removed from the captaincy role following the&nbsp;infamous&nbsp;Sandpaper Gate saga in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in March 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-thisara-perera-smashes-6-sixes-becomes-first-sri-lankan-to-achieve-the-iconic-feat-374099" hreflang="en">Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat</a>

"I've certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I've got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again, I would be keen," Smith had told News Corp.&nbsp;

"If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it's certainly something I would be interested in now, that's for sure," he added.&nbsp;

Smith along with David Warner was banned from international cricket by Cricket Australia for a year while Cameron Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension.&nbsp;

"Time keeps moving forward, and I've learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being. I feel as though I'd be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn't, that's fine as well and I'd support whoever is in charge the same way I've supported Tim and&nbsp;Finchy. I haven't always felt like I wanted to do it again. That's only come in the last little bit," said Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-who-will-captain-delhi-capitals-in-absence-of-shreyas-iyer-check-the-list-of-options-372866" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options</a>

However, there has been pressure on Paine since Australia's home series defeat against India and there have been calls to replace the Test captain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith will be seen playing in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starting April 9 for Delhi Capitals.&nbsp;

Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs).

Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs). "We have two very good captains and two important competitions coming up -- an Ashes and a T20 World Cup. Our future looks good," Langer told the ABC, as reported by Fox Sports. "Despite the media chatter there is no captaincy position available," he added. On Monday, Smith opened up about his willingness to lead Australia. He was removed from the captaincy role following the infamous Sandpaper Gate saga in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in March 2018. ALSO READ: Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat "I've certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I've got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again, I would be keen," Smith had told News Corp. "If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it's certainly something I would be interested in now, that's for sure," he added. Smith along with David Warner was banned from international cricket by Cricket Australia for a year while Cameron Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension. "Time keeps moving forward, and I've learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being. I feel as though I'd be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn't, that's fine as well and I'd support whoever is in charge the same way I've supported Tim and Finchy. I haven't always felt like I wanted to do it again. That's only come in the last little bit," said Smith. IN PICS | IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options However, there has been pressure on Paine since Australia's home series defeat against India and there have been calls to replace the Test captain. Smith will be seen playing in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starting April 9 for Delhi Capitals.

'No position available': Justin Langer reacts to Steve Smith's 'captaincy' comments

Steve Smith has said that he would be happy to return as Australia captain given the national selectors want him for the role. Smith, while giving his complete support to current Australian captains Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, said he would have no problems if the cricket board looks for a new captain while adding he is now better equipped to lead the side again.&nbsp;

However, Smith admitted he hasn’t always been sure about taking back the leadership role following the intense trauma of the infamous Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.&nbsp;

Speculations surrounding Australia captaincy have constantly popped up since Smith’s return to international cricket after completing his one-year ban. While many have said that Smith should get the captaincy back, others have the opinion that the ace Australian batsman should never lead the side again.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-cant-expect-everyone-virat-kohli-warns-players-cooked-in-bubble-life-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374036" hreflang="en">'You can't expect everyone...': Virat Kohli warns players 'cooked' in bubble life ahead of IPL 2021</a>

“I’ve certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I’ve got to a point where if the opportunity did come up&nbsp;again&nbsp;I would be keen,” Smith told News Corp.&nbsp;

“If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it’s certainly something I would be interested in now, that’s for sure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m always going to have to live with Cape Town regardless of whether I lead again or not. It’s always there.&nbsp;I’ve been through all that now. Time keeps moving forward, and I’ve learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketing-world-beware-ian-chappell-predicts-era-of-dominance-for-team-india-374020" hreflang="en">'Cricketing world, beware': Ian Chappell predicts era of dominance for Team India</a>

“I feel as though I’d be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn’t, that’s fine as well and I’d support whoever is in charge the same way I’ve supported Tim and&nbsp;Finchy.”&nbsp;

Pain is set to lead Australia in the home Ashes while Finch will take the charge in T20 World Cup in October. However, Cricket Australia has been looking for a succession plan with national selector Trevor Hohns already saying that his panel must start considering the list of next Australia captain.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins is another name in contention to lead the side along with Smith.&nbsp;

Steve Smith has said that he would be happy to return as Australia captain given the national selectors want him for the role. Smith, while giving his complete support to current Australian captains Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, said he would have no problems if the cricket board looks for a new captain while adding he is now better equipped to lead the side again.

Steve Smith has said that he would be happy to return as Australia captain given the national selectors want him for the role. Smith, while giving his complete support to current Australian captains Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, said he would have no problems if the cricket board looks for a new captain while adding he is now better equipped to lead the side again. However, Smith admitted he hasn’t always been sure about taking back the leadership role following the intense trauma of the infamous Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. Speculations surrounding Australia captaincy have constantly popped up since Smith’s return to international cricket after completing his one-year ban. While many have said that Smith should get the captaincy back, others have the opinion that the ace Australian batsman should never lead the side again. ALSO READ: 'You can't expect everyone...': Virat Kohli warns players 'cooked' in bubble life ahead of IPL 2021 “I’ve certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I’ve got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again I would be keen,” Smith told News Corp. “If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it’s certainly something I would be interested in now, that’s for sure. “I’m always going to have to live with Cape Town regardless of whether I lead again or not. It’s always there. I’ve been through all that now. Time keeps moving forward, and I’ve learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being. ALSO READ: 'Cricketing world, beware': Ian Chappell predicts era of dominance for Team India “I feel as though I’d be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn’t, that’s fine as well and I’d support whoever is in charge the same way I’ve supported Tim and Finchy.” Pain is set to lead Australia in the home Ashes while Finch will take the charge in T20 World Cup in October. However, Cricket Australia has been looking for a succession plan with national selector Trevor Hohns already saying that his panel must start considering the list of next Australia captain. Pat Cummins is another name in contention to lead the side along with Smith.

'I would be keen': Steve Smith interested in taking charge as next Australia captain

IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options

From Malan to Smith: Five overseas players to lookout for in IPL 2021 auction

From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday&nbsp;released some of their respective players&nbsp;to increase their purse before the auction. Teams are looking to bolster their squad for IPL 2021&nbsp;with mini-auction likely to take place in February.&nbsp;

With the list of retained and released players out ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction, let us take a look at some of the players who have been released by IPL franchises so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh started the day by announcing that his contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has come to an end. The veteran off-spinner, if available, will go straight to the mini-auction pool after spending a couple of seasons with the Yellow Army.&nbsp;

A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) source confirmed to WION that Suresh Raina has been retained by the franchise with the veteran southpaw all set to don the yellow jersey again after missing IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. The likes of Kedar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla,&nbsp;Murali Vijay have also been released by CSK as the MS Dhoni-led outfit look to bring new faces into the squad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-release-harbhajan-singh-ahead-of-ipl-2021-mini-auction-357900" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings release Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction</a>

The biggest released player ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction has arguably been&nbsp;Steve Smith as Rajasthan Royals have released the&nbsp;Australian batsman. Sanju Samson has been named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians have released the likes of Lasith Malinga and&nbsp;Sherfane&nbsp;Rutherford while Delhi Capitals have moved away from Sandeep&nbsp;Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy and Alex Carey.&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders have also decided to part ways with flamboyant English opener Tom Banton after buying him in IPL 2019 auction pool.&nbsp;They have also let go&nbsp;Chris Green, Siddesh Lad, Nikhil Naik and M Siddharth.

Chennai Super Kings have released Monu Singh as well.&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab have released Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Jimmy Neesham.

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba11a142-7141-440a-a0e9-2375d483a0e8}{212}" paraid="1724536750" >Released players ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction:&nbsp;</h2>

Steve Smith,&nbsp;Lasith Malinga,&nbsp;Sherfane&nbsp;Rutherford,&nbsp;Sandeep&nbsp;Lamicchane,&nbsp;Mohit Sharma,&nbsp;Jason Roy,&nbsp;Alex Carey,&nbsp;Tom Banton,&nbsp;Piyush Chawla,&nbsp;Murali Vijay,&nbsp;Kedar Jadhav,&nbsp;Harbhajan Singh, Monu Singh, Daniel Sams (traded to RCB). Harshal Patel (traded to RCB), Chris Green, Nikhil Naik, M Siddharth, Siddesh Lad, Chris Morris, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Dube,&nbsp;Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, K Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham,&nbsp;Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn,&nbsp;Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Mann, Parthiv Patel,&nbsp;James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan, Robin Uthappa (traded to CSK)

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ba11a142-7141-440a-a0e9-2375d483a0e8}{178}" paraid="210706058" >Retained players list of all IPL 2021 franchise:</h2>

List of retained players by Royal Challengers Bangalore:&nbsp;Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Siraj, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson

List of retained players by Chennai Super Kings: N Jagadeesan, R Gaikwad, KM Asif, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, J Hazlewood, K Sharma, A Rayudu, S Raina, I Tahir, D Chahar, Faf du Plessis, S Thakur, M Santner, D Bravo, L Ngidi, S Curran, S Kishore.

List of retained players by Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Gayle, Pooran, Shami, Jordan, Mandeep, Mayank, Bishnoi, Prabhsimran, Hooda, Sarfaraz, Arshdeep, M Ashwin, Arshdeep, Porel,&nbsp;Harpreet

List of retained players by Sunrisers Hyderabad:&nbsp;David Warner (c), Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Abdul Samad, Mitchell Marsh, Priyam Garg, Virat Singh

List of retained players by Kolkata Knight Riders:&nbsp;Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Harry Gurney, Sandeep Warrier.

List of retained players by Rajasthan Royals:&nbsp;Robin Uthappa, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye, Ben Stokes, Tom Curran, Jos Buttler.

List of retained players by Mumbai Indians:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Anukul Roy, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare, Chris Lynn, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock.

List of retained players by Delhi Capitals:&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Rahane, Dhawan, Shaw, Pant, Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, Pravin Dubey, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, R. Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje. 
&nbsp;

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday released some of their respective players to increase their purse before the auction.

With the deadline to retain players ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mini-auction, franchises on Wednesday released some of their respective players to increase their purse before the auction. Teams are looking to bolster their squad for IPL 2021 with mini-auction likely to take place in February. With the list of retained and released players out ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction, let us take a look at some of the players who have been released by IPL franchises so far. Harbhajan Singh started the day by announcing that his contract with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has come to an end. The veteran off-spinner, if available, will go straight to the mini-auction pool after spending a couple of seasons with the Yellow Army. A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) source confirmed to WION that Suresh Raina has been retained by the franchise with the veteran southpaw all set to don the yellow jersey again after missing IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. The likes of Kedar Jadhav, Piyush Chawla, Murali Vijay have also been released by CSK as the MS Dhoni-led outfit look to bring new faces into the squad. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings release Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction The biggest released player ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction has arguably been Steve Smith as Rajasthan Royals have released the Australian batsman. Sanju Samson has been named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals. Mumbai Indians have released the likes of Lasith Malinga and Sherfane Rutherford while Delhi Capitals have moved away from Sandeep Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy and Alex Carey. Kolkata Knight Riders have also decided to part ways with flamboyant English opener Tom Banton after buying him in IPL 2019 auction pool. They have also let go Chris Green, Siddesh Lad, Nikhil Naik and M Siddharth. Chennai Super Kings have released Monu Singh as well. Kings XI Punjab have released Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Jimmy Neesham. Released players ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction: Steve Smith, Lasith Malinga, Sherfane Rutherford, Sandeep Lamicchane, Mohit Sharma, Jason Roy, Alex Carey, Tom Banton, Piyush Chawla, Murali Vijay, Kedar Jadhav, Harbhajan Singh, Monu Singh, Daniel Sams (traded to RCB). Harshal Patel (traded to RCB), Chris Green, Nikhil Naik, M Siddharth, Siddesh Lad, Chris Morris, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Dube, Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, K Gowtham, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham, Aaron Finch, Moeen Ali, Isuru Udana, Dale Steyn, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Mann, Parthiv Patel, James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan, Robin Uthappa (traded to CSK) Retained players list of all IPL 2021 franchise: List of retained players by Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Devdutt Padikkal, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Siraj, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pavan Deshpande, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson List of retained players by Chennai Super Kings: N Jagadeesan, R Gaikwad, KM Asif, R Jadeja, MS Dhoni, J Hazlewood, K Sharma, A Rayudu, S Raina, I Tahir, D Chahar, Faf du Plessis, S Thakur, M Santner, D Bravo, L Ngidi, S Curran, S Kishore. List of retained players by Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Gayle, Pooran, Shami, Jordan, Mandeep, Mayank, Bishnoi, Prabhsimran, Hooda, Sarfaraz, Arshdeep, M Ashwin, Arshdeep, Porel, Harpreet List of retained players by Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner (c), Abhishek Sharma, Basil Thampi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan, Vijay Shankar, Wriddhiman Saha, Abdul Samad, Mitchell Marsh, Priyam Garg, Virat Singh List of retained players by Kolkata Knight Riders: Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Varun Chakravarthy, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, Harry Gurney, Sandeep Warrier. List of retained players by Rajasthan Royals: Robin Uthappa, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye, Ben Stokes, Tom Curran, Jos Buttler. List of retained players by Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Anmolpreet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Anukul Roy, Ishan Kishan, Aditya Tare, Chris Lynn, Trent Boult, Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock. List of retained players by Delhi Capitals: Shreyas Iyer, Rahane, Dhawan, Shaw, Pant, Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Stoinis, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, Pravin Dubey, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, R. Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje.

IPL 2021: From Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell to Lasith Malinga - List of released players ahead of mini-auction

India and Australia head to a grand finale of the fourth Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane as visitors need 324 runs to win the game and seal the series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-he-doing-waugh-and-warne-amused-by-marnus-labuschagnes-outrageous-appeal-357339" hreflang="en">'What is he doing?': Waugh and Warne amused by Marnus Labuschagne's outrageous appeal</a>

Australian openers (David Warner and Marcus Harris) gave a strong start to the hosts. However, Shardul Thakur broke the 89-run opening stand after dismissing Marcus Harris on 38. David Warner followed his partner as he got out on very next over after an lbw by Washington Sundar. Labuschagne, who scored a century in the first innings, scored just 25 runs before being removed by Siraj. Steve Smith scored most runs for Australia (55 runs) in the second innings. Pat Cummins' power-hitting took Australia's lead past 300 against India.&nbsp;

India's rookie bowling unit had an impressive run after Mohammed Siraj got his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Shardul Thakur's dream run in the match continues as he scalped four wickets. Washington Sundar got one wicket and that too dangerman David Warner's.&nbsp;

The rain continued to interrupt on Day 4, due to which many overs were lost. India's innings on Day 4 was cut short as the hosts could play just 1.5 overs. Rohit Sharma's boundary in the first over helped India end their day with 4/0. They need 324 runs to win, whereas the Aussies need 10 wickets. Day 5 is predicted to marred by rain which worries the Aussies as they lose crucial WTC points.&nbsp;

India and Australia head to a grand finale of the fourth Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane as visitors need 324 runs to win the game and seal the series. ALSO READ: 'What is he doing?

India and Australia head to a grand finale of the fourth Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane as visitors need 324 runs to win the game and seal the series. ALSO READ: 'What is he doing?': Waugh and Warne amused by Marnus Labuschagne's outrageous appeal Australian openers (David Warner and Marcus Harris) gave a strong start to the hosts. However, Shardul Thakur broke the 89-run opening stand after dismissing Marcus Harris on 38. David Warner followed his partner as he got out on very next over after an lbw by Washington Sundar. Labuschagne, who scored a century in the first innings, scored just 25 runs before being removed by Siraj. Steve Smith scored most runs for Australia (55 runs) in the second innings. Pat Cummins' power-hitting took Australia's lead past 300 against India. India's rookie bowling unit had an impressive run after Mohammed Siraj got his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Shardul Thakur's dream run in the match continues as he scalped four wickets. Washington Sundar got one wicket and that too dangerman David Warner's. The rain continued to interrupt on Day 4, due to which many overs were lost. India's innings on Day 4 was cut short as the hosts could play just 1.5 overs. Rohit Sharma's boundary in the first over helped India end their day with 4/0. They need 324 runs to win, whereas the Aussies need 10 wickets. Day 5 is predicted to marred by rain which worries the Aussies as they lose crucial WTC points.

Ind vs Aus, 4th Test: Siraj's fiver, Steve Smith's half-century set stage for grand finale at the Gabba

Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski.

Smith has faced accusations he had been trying to cheat by scuffing up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during the tense drawn third Test at Sydney, which left the series locked at 1-1.

He strongly denied it and said he was shocked by the reaction, claiming he was simply shadow batting.

Paine, himself slammed for an ugly sledging incident during the match, said his teammate was mentally strong and determined to build on his man-of-the-match performance in Sydney, where he made 131 and 81.

"Steve is in a good frame of mind," Paine said ahead of the clash at the Gabba starting Friday, a ground where Australia are unbeaten since 1988.

"I think we've seen through what he's been through in the last three years... he's mentally very strong, very tough. He knows sometimes he's going to be criticised and he's handled that supremely well.

"If anything, I think he feeds off it. His statistics speak for themselves and we'll see the best of Steve Smith again this week."

Australia will go into the series-deciding clash without Pucovski, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding in Sydney, where he made an impressive first innings' 62 on debut.

It was another cruel setback for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who missed the first two Tests with concussion.&nbsp;

Marcus Harris, who has played nine Tests, but not since Australia retained the Ashes in England last year, will open instead alongside David Warner.

"He'll come in and open the batting and looking forward to seeing what he can do," said Paine. "He's a no fuss, very good player."

Barring late mishaps, it will likely be the only change to the team that played the third Test.

Earlier this week, wicketkeeper Paine apologised for his own behaviour in Sydney, where he launched a verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, was fined for dissent and dropped three catches on the final day as Australia failed to bowl India out.

"I let it get under the skin, no doubt about that, I've admitted that, so for me it's about rising above it and concentrating on what I'm doing and concentrating on leading my team," he said.

"We've spoken a lot this game about controlling what we can control and focusing more inwardly on ourselves. If we do that, then we'll be in a good position."

Australia (probable): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski.

Skipper Tim Paine warned Thursday that Steve Smith "feeds off" criticism and was fired up for the high-stakes fourth Test against India, which Australia will start without injured opener Will Pucovski. Smith has faced accusations he had been trying to cheat by scuffing up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during the tense drawn third Test at Sydney, which left the series locked at 1-1. He strongly denied it and said he was shocked by the reaction, claiming he was simply shadow batting. Paine, himself slammed for an ugly sledging incident during the match, said his teammate was mentally strong and determined to build on his man-of-the-match performance in Sydney, where he made 131 and 81. "Steve is in a good frame of mind," Paine said ahead of the clash at the Gabba starting Friday, a ground where Australia are unbeaten since 1988. "I think we've seen through what he's been through in the last three years... he's mentally very strong, very tough. He knows sometimes he's going to be criticised and he's handled that supremely well. "If anything, I think he feeds off it. His statistics speak for themselves and we'll see the best of Steve Smith again this week." Australia will go into the series-deciding clash without Pucovski, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding in Sydney, where he made an impressive first innings' 62 on debut. It was another cruel setback for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who missed the first two Tests with concussion. Marcus Harris, who has played nine Tests, but not since Australia retained the Ashes in England last year, will open instead alongside David Warner. "He'll come in and open the batting and looking forward to seeing what he can do," said Paine. "He's a no fuss, very good player." Barring late mishaps, it will likely be the only change to the team that played the third Test. Earlier this week, wicketkeeper Paine apologised for his own behaviour in Sydney, where he launched a verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin, was fined for dissent and dropped three catches on the final day as Australia failed to bowl India out. "I let it get under the skin, no doubt about that, I've admitted that, so for me it's about rising above it and concentrating on what I'm doing and concentrating on leading my team," he said. "We've spoken a lot this game about controlling what we can control and focusing more inwardly on ourselves. If we do that, then we'll be in a good position." Australia (probable): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Cameron Green, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Smith 'feeds off' criticism warns Paine ahead of Gabba showdown

Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney.

Paine's captaincy has been questioned after he launched an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin and Smith was accused of foul play after appearing to scuff up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during a tense final day.

But an indignant Langer was having none of it.&nbsp;

"Do I have faith in Tim Paine? You have no idea how much faith I have in Tim Paine," he said on a Zoom call.

"He didn't have his best day, no doubt about that, but after three years he has hardly put a hair out of place.

"He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does. He had a frustrating day and we have got to cut him some slack, surely."

Wicketkeeper Paine, guilty of dropping three catches on the final day, has apologised and admitted frustration got the better of him when he tried to unsettle Ashwin, who held out for more than three hours for an unbeaten 39 as the tourists salvaged a draw.

Stump microphones picked up Paine making a series of barbs, including calling Ashwin a "dickhead".&nbsp;

Paine had already been fined for dissent after an expletive-laden rant at umpire Paul Wilson on day two, with the incidents undermining Langer's drive to revamp the team's toxic culture after the "Sandpaper-gate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

While backing Paine to continue as captain "for some time yet", Langer also acknowledged criticism would come if anyone deviated from the high standards the team now set themselves.

"When you set a standard as high as he does, and we do, we understand we get criticised when you fall below that. It's not what we are about," he said.

"But Tim is an outstanding leader and will continue to be for some time to come yet. He has my 100 percent support."

<h2>- 'A bit quirky' -</h2>

Footage of Smith, who was Australia's captain during the sandpaper scandal and banned for year, suggested he deliberately interfered with Pant's batting guard -- a mark made at the crease to know where your feet are in relation to the wicket behind you.

The number four is renowned for his quirks, including shadow-batting while fielding, and strongly denied doing anything wrong.

"As for Steve Smith, I literally cannot believe some of the rubbish I've read -- absolute load of rubbish," said Langer.&nbsp;

He took particular aim at England greats Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough, personally phoning them after they criticised Smith.

"I've actually spoken to Darren Gough about it and rang him last night," he told sports radio station SEN.

"I spoke to Michael Vaughan as well, I thought he was out of line actually.&nbsp;

"You get it from (some of the critics), but I don't expect it from (someone like Vaughan)."

He added that Smith was well known for his offbeat habits.

"Anyone who suggests for one millisecond he was trying to do something untoward, they're way out of line," he said.

"On that wicket, that was that flat, and it was like concrete, you'd need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on the crease and he went nowhere near the crease.

"So seriously, I thought that was absolutely ludicrous."

The fourth and final Test gets under way on Friday in Brisbane, with the series locked at 1-1.

Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney.

Australia coach Justin Langer gave under-fire skipper Tim Paine his "100 percent" support and blasted criticism of Steve Smith as "absolute rubbish" Wednesday after a backlash against their behaviour in the drawn third Test against India in Sydney. Paine's captaincy has been questioned after he launched an ugly verbal tirade at India's Ravi Ashwin and Smith was accused of foul play after appearing to scuff up batsman Rishabh Pant's guard at the crease during a tense final day. But an indignant Langer was having none of it. "Do I have faith in Tim Paine? You have no idea how much faith I have in Tim Paine," he said on a Zoom call. "He didn't have his best day, no doubt about that, but after three years he has hardly put a hair out of place. "He has been outstanding as the Australian captain in everything he does. He had a frustrating day and we have got to cut him some slack, surely." Wicketkeeper Paine, guilty of dropping three catches on the final day, has apologised and admitted frustration got the better of him when he tried to unsettle Ashwin, who held out for more than three hours for an unbeaten 39 as the tourists salvaged a draw. Stump microphones picked up Paine making a series of barbs, including calling Ashwin a "dickhead". Paine had already been fined for dissent after an expletive-laden rant at umpire Paul Wilson on day two, with the incidents undermining Langer's drive to revamp the team's toxic culture after the "Sandpaper-gate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018. While backing Paine to continue as captain "for some time yet", Langer also acknowledged criticism would come if anyone deviated from the high standards the team now set themselves. "When you set a standard as high as he does, and we do, we understand we get criticised when you fall below that. It's not what we are about," he said. "But Tim is an outstanding leader and will continue to be for some time to come yet. He has my 100 percent support." - 'A bit quirky' - Footage of Smith, who was Australia's captain during the sandpaper scandal and banned for year, suggested he deliberately interfered with Pant's batting guard -- a mark made at the crease to know where your feet are in relation to the wicket behind you. The number four is renowned for his quirks, including shadow-batting while fielding, and strongly denied doing anything wrong. "As for Steve Smith, I literally cannot believe some of the rubbish I've read -- absolute load of rubbish," said Langer. He took particular aim at England greats Michael Vaughan and Darren Gough, personally phoning them after they criticised Smith. "I've actually spoken to Darren Gough about it and rang him last night," he told sports radio station SEN. "I spoke to Michael Vaughan as well, I thought he was out of line actually. "You get it from (some of the critics), but I don't expect it from (someone like Vaughan)." He added that Smith was well known for his offbeat habits. "Anyone who suggests for one millisecond he was trying to do something untoward, they're way out of line," he said. "On that wicket, that was that flat, and it was like concrete, you'd need 15-inch spikes to make an indent on the crease and he went nowhere near the crease. "So seriously, I thought that was absolutely ludicrous." The fourth and final Test gets under way on Friday in Brisbane, with the series locked at 1-1.

'Absolute rubbish' - Langer goes into bat for Paine, Smith

Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals have decided to part ways with their skipper Steve Smith and will not be retaining the Aussie in the upcoming auctions. The Royals will decide it shortly as the franchise will be releasing the list of retained players on January 20.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-obvious-thing-head-coach-justin-langer-names-will-pucovskis-potential-replacement-356471" hreflang="en">'The obvious thing': Head coach Justin Langer names Will Pucovski's potential replacement</a>

Smith started the 2020 season with a bang after scoring fifties against CSK and KXIP and leading his team to victory. However, there was a steep downfall in Smith's form as he ended the IPL season with just 311 runs with an average and strike-rate of 25.91 and 131.22 respectively. Royals ended at the bottom of the table.&nbsp;

As per reports in ESPNcricinfo, the franchise management asked the Royals to be more consistent in contention for the playoffs. The Royals' season review highlighted Smith's inconsistency as both a player and captain.&nbsp;

In 2018 auctions, Royals retained the Australian for a mammoth 12.5 crores rupees ($1.95 million). Smith was appointed as the skipper but was forced to step down due to the sandpaper scandal. But he was finally appointed as the captain in 2019 after Ajinkya Rahane was sacked.&nbsp;

Smith's sacking leaves the captain's spot vacant. Sanju Samson could fill up the spot after being consistently good with the team in the previous editions. Samson recently led Kerala in their first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.

Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals have decided to part ways with their skipper Steve Smith and will not be retaining the Aussie in the upcoming auctions.

Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals have decided to part ways with their skipper Steve Smith and will not be retaining the Aussie in the upcoming auctions. The Royals will decide it shortly as the franchise will be releasing the list of retained players on January 20. ALSO READ: 'The obvious thing': Head coach Justin Langer names Will Pucovski's potential replacement Smith started the 2020 season with a bang after scoring fifties against CSK and KXIP and leading his team to victory. However, there was a steep downfall in Smith's form as he ended the IPL season with just 311 runs with an average and strike-rate of 25.91 and 131.22 respectively. Royals ended at the bottom of the table. As per reports in ESPNcricinfo, the franchise management asked the Royals to be more consistent in contention for the playoffs. The Royals' season review highlighted Smith's inconsistency as both a player and captain. In 2018 auctions, Royals retained the Australian for a mammoth 12.5 crores rupees ($1.95 million). Smith was appointed as the skipper but was forced to step down due to the sandpaper scandal. But he was finally appointed as the captain in 2019 after Ajinkya Rahane was sacked. Smith's sacking leaves the captain's spot vacant. Sanju Samson could fill up the spot after being consistently good with the team in the previous editions. Samson recently led Kerala in their first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.

Rajasthan Royals to part ways with Steve Smith in upcoming IPL auctions: Reports

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;

Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. &nbsp;

However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a>

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Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. 
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. <a href="https://t.co/IfttxRXHeM">pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348528230655950850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... <a href="https://t.co/ChxUGPubHk">pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk</a>
— STR (@AmourAnand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmourAnand/status/1348494382337384448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. 
 
And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coward</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/uTi3klbU7N">pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N</a>
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMP86793444/status/1348558475379539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith <a href="https://t.co/01ZCQGjQkO">pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO</a>
— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanthtarak9/status/1348558367334100993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a>

As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. &nbsp;

Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. &nbsp;

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Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGCAQVL0Oz">pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz</a>
— Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) <a href="https://twitter.com/007deepak_/status/1348527274987978755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vihari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vihari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Payne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Payne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/0quJIEhL2A">pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A</a>
— Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nims_Ahuja/status/1348517665816469507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1348522159790907394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1348508668212334597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game.&nbsp;

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I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimPaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimPaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkH8SoYKzS">pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS</a>
— ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryanTripathi_2/status/1348535206421032961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. 
 
Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". 
 
Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". <a href="https://t.co/0yWs9jLUqW">pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW</a>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1348521355596075008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1348517169194094598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a>
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhavsarJ2_0/status/1348500158640578561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" <a href="https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg">https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg</a>
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1348539004657020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;

“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1. Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × #SteveSmith once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk — STR (@AmourAnand) January 11, 2021 × "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. #Cheat #Coward pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N — Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 11, 2021 × If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO — Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz — Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) January 11, 2021 × Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦#AUSvsIND #AUSvINDtest #Australia #Vihari #Payne #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A — Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) January 11, 2021 × Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021 × Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? #AUSvIND — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2021 × Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game. I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine#INDvAUS #stevesmith #Wade #Ashwin #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS — ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) January 11, 2021 × Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2021 × Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021 × Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. #AUSvIND — Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 11, 2021 × It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 11, 2021 × India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match.

'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test

Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-and-mohammed-siraj-racially-abused-at-the-scg-on-day-3-reports-355594" hreflang="en">Bumrah and Siraj racially abused at the SCG on Day 3: Reports</a>

The Aussie batsman did not hold back from expressing his frustrations over the media for the constant discussion over his form as he failed to score big runs after smashing back-to-back hundreds in the ODIs.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters at the virtual media interaction, he said: "I read a lot of things and plenty of people said I was out of form so it was nice to come back into form, if that's what you want to call it."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-labuschagne-smith-power-australia-to-197-run-lead-over-india-on-day-3-355575">Labuschagne-Smith power Australia to 197-run lead over India on Day 3</a>

"I mean, it was only about three or four weeks ago that I scored two hundreds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. So yeah, it kind of just makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of thing," he added.

"I missed out in the first two Tests obviously and came back today and scored some runs and helped I guess put us in a decent position," he further said.

Indian spin wizard was seen toying with the Aussie in the series, however, Smith revealed on how he overcame the spin threat. "I decided to be a bit more positive. I think early on I hit him (Ashwin) over his head, sort of just put a bit of pressure on him," he said.

Smith smashed his 27th hundred in the longest format on Day 2 in the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He smashed 131 runs to power Australia to 338 in the first innings.&nbsp;

Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG.

Australian batsman Steve Smith's century in the third Test against has turned the odds in the favour of the hosts giving them a mammoth 197-run lead with eight wickets in hand by the of Day 3 at the SCG. ALSO READ: Bumrah and Siraj racially abused at the SCG on Day 3: Reports The Aussie batsman did not hold back from expressing his frustrations over the media for the constant discussion over his form as he failed to score big runs after smashing back-to-back hundreds in the ODIs. Speaking to reporters at the virtual media interaction, he said: "I read a lot of things and plenty of people said I was out of form so it was nice to come back into form, if that's what you want to call it." ALSO READ: Labuschagne-Smith power Australia to 197-run lead over India on Day 3 "I mean, it was only about three or four weeks ago that I scored two hundreds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. So yeah, it kind of just makes me laugh sometimes when people say that kind of thing," he added. "I missed out in the first two Tests obviously and came back today and scored some runs and helped I guess put us in a decent position," he further said. Indian spin wizard was seen toying with the Aussie in the series, however, Smith revealed on how he overcame the spin threat. "I decided to be a bit more positive. I think early on I hit him (Ashwin) over his head, sort of just put a bit of pressure on him," he said. Smith smashed his 27th hundred in the longest format on Day 2 in the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He smashed 131 runs to power Australia to 338 in the first innings.

'I decided to be bit more positive': Steve Smith on reports of him being out of form

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