India vs Australia 3rd Test – Steve Smith reunites with lucky charm Steve Smith’s rare slump in form is a big concern for the Australia team. The right-handed batsman in four innings – 1st & 2nd Test – has scored 1, 1*, 0, 8 and has looked a pale shadow of himself. He even admitted to becoming R Ashwin’s bunny, who dismissed the Australian batsman twice. But probably the worst is over for Smith as he has found his lucky charm.
The 31-year-old has reunited with his wife Dani Willis, 27, after being separated for four months. Dani confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday that she is finally reunited with her husband
‘Wednesday, one more day until I’m allowed to see @steve_smith49! #ISO,” she captioned with a smiling selfie.
She had travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to be with her husband, after being apart for 121 days because of his sporting commitments.
She’d arrived in Melbourne before the borders were closed to Greater Sydney, which is the centre of a coronavirus outbreak, believing she joined Cricket Australia’s hub after just three days in isolation.
So, with Smith finally back with his wife, Can he find his lost “hand” for the Sydney Test?
Ind vs Aus: Smith’s performance in Sydney
Former Australia skipper Kim Hughes believes that there will be a change in Smith’s performance in Sydney. In an interview to Times of India, he said the ICC Test Player of the Decade’s time away from his family had taken a toll on him mentally and with his wife now with him he will be in a good space.
“Look, Smith is a world-class player but has not looked like it in the Test series. He has been away from his wife Dani for over four-and-a-half months due to cricket and the quarantine restrictions. He has not been in a good space – away from his partner.
“I expect him to do well in Sydney. Smith just needs to spend some time in the middle and the runs will come automatically,” he told TOI.
Sydney is Smith’s one of the favourite grounds. He has scored six centuries at SCG out of which two came during the three-match ODI series in November.
He has two Test hundreds – vs England and vs India – too which will be a big confidence booster for him. His highest ODI score of 164 came against New Zealand also was scored at SCG.
Ind vs Aus: Australia’s playing XI
The hosts are expected to make some key changes to their playing XI to solve their batting woes. Both David Warner and Will Pucovski are returning to the side from injuries and are likely to start in Sydney. Furthermore, Mathew Wade might be moved to No.5, replacing Travis Head.
India play Australia for the 3rd Test in Sydney from January 7.