Australia cricketer Steve Smith stated that Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be the primary threats in India attack in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Seam and swing are expected to play a defining role in the English conditions as India and Australia gear up to clash at The Oval from June 7 to 11. Smith added that Australia will have to play well as the dukes ball will suit India nicely.
“They have really good skills and the Dukes ball will suit them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl well in all conditions. So I think they have a good attack and we are going to have to play well against them this week.”
The World Test Championship final will commence at 10:30am local time (3 PM IST) on June 7.
Smith also backed Michael Neser and Scott Boland to make an impact if they get picked for the WTC Final. Australia have been forced to make changes in their bowling department after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the final.
Former Australia captain Smith said that Neser has all the qualities to come straight into the playing XI.
“(I’ve got) so much faith, he (Neser) is a quality performer,” Smith said. “I faced him against (County side) Glamorgan a couple of weeks ago and he bowled beautifully.
“He has got great skills and he’s added some of the inswingers we have seen him bowl when the wicket is a bit flatter. So he has got loads of skills and is batting nicely as well, so he is a great package. If he gets an opportunity he will certainly do a very good job.”
Scot Boland, who was named in the original 15-man squad, has played only one Test away and is yet to take a wicket outside Australia in Test cricket.
“I think we will get what Scotty does pretty well,” Smith said. “He hits a good length, hits the top of the stumps, seams the ball around, swings it if he wants to and he has got great skills as well. No doubt he will be a challenge if he gets the nod,” Smith said.
