AUS v NZ | Hopeful of Australia keeping 'terrific' Kane Williamson quiet in the series, says Steve Smith
Steve Smith hailed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson as a cricketer with a terrific work ethic, but was hopeful of his side keeping him quiet in the series.The No.2 and No.3 batsmen in Test cricket will go head-to-head when Australia host New Zealand in a three-match series starting Thursday.
The first of the three matches is set to be played in Perth, followed by a day-night contest in Melbourne and the final clash in Sydney. However big the rivalry between the two neighbouring nations, Smith was full of praise for Williamson’s ability to play late.
“Terrific work ethic, a good eye and plenty of time. I think he has loads of time against quick bowling. He is a quality player and hopefully, we can keep him quiet this series,” Smith was quoted as saying by ICC.Â
Smith carried on by explaining possible similarities in their batting grip which helps Williamson to stay patient and play each ball as late as possible.
“I think we actually hold the bat reasonably similarly. He has got quite a closed grip. I like that in Test cricket personally. It just helps to play the ball a bit later and I think (Williamson) plays it a bit later than anybody else in the world ... He plays the ball incredibly late, he is patient,” Smith added.
The Kiwis, who last played a day-night Test nearly two years ago, have to quickly re-adapt quickly to the nuances of the format to have any hope of winning a first series in Australia for more than 30 years.
Though the fact that the home side is fresh from handing Pakistan a thrashing by an innings and 48 runs under lights in Adelaide last week, good news came in the form of a fitness update regarding all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme. Both him and bowling spearhead Trent Boult, who missed the second Test against England last month, has recovered in time to make the plane to Australia.Â