Won't shy away from verbal battle against India, says Steve Smith

Won't shy away from verbal battle against India, says Steve Smith

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Written by: SportsCafe Desk

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Australian captain Steven Smith says his team won't be afraid to go on a verbal offensive against Virat Kohli and Team India in the upcoming four-match Test series. He said that he will do anything to get his team in the right mindset and if that involves some sledging, then they'll not hold back.

Although veteran Australian batsman Michael Hussey had warned the Australians to not rile up Virat Kohli with words too much, current Australian captain Steve Smith has said that his team won't shy away from a battle of words against Kohli and his men in the upcoming four-Test series.

"If they are going to get into a battle verbally, if it gets the best out of them, then go for it. It`s all about us making sure that we are in the right mindset to succeed and if the guys want to get into those kinds of battles then go for it," Smith told reporters on Tuesday.

"In the end its about us playing on skill and making sure that our skills are in the best place for us to succeed in these conditions," he added.

Also Read : Indian team for Australia Test series announced

Earlier Mr. Cricket Mike Hussey had warned Smith and co. not to sledge Kohli as that situation invariably brings out the best from him. Kohli has also had a wonderful record against the Aussies. He has scored 5 centuries against them in Australia, and now that he'll be playing at home, and given his current form, it doesn't seem like runs are going to stop flowing from Kohli's bat.

Australia last won a Test in India in 2004 and since then have lost 2-0 and 4-0 when they've come visiting. In fact, they haven't won any match in Asia in the last 5 years. Their last win came against Sri Lanka in 2011.

The first Test begins in Pune on February 23.

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