As Australia gears up for the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad, Steve Smith, the stand-in captain, has defended the team’s bold decision to play three spinners during the ongoing India tour. Despite receiving criticism back home, Smith believes that their successful tactics have proved their detractors wrong by clinching a memorable nine-wicket victory in Indore.
Australia opted for three spinners in the second and third Tests after playing two quicks in the series opener in Nagpur. The decision worked wonders as Matthew Kuhnemann took five wickets in the first innings of the third Test, while Nathan Lyon claimed a match-winning 11-wicket haul.
Smith highlighted the significance of the spinners’ contribution, particularly on the spinning tracks of India, and how the result in Indore vindicated their decision. He also praised the spinners’ different skill sets, with Kuhnemann offering variations in his bowling and Todd Murphy’s ability to defend and bowl side-spinning deliveries.
Should Australia win in Ahmedabad, it would mark their best result in India since the 2004 tour when they claimed the series by winning two Tests. The team will be hoping to capitalize on their successful tactics and end the tour on a high note.