WTC Final: We could face similarities at The Oval to what we had in India, says Steve Smith on potential spin threat

Steve Smith believes the wicket and conditions at The Oval could become more India-like as the World Test Championship final progresses.

FirstCricket Staff|May 31, 2023, 16:42:21 IST

Australia's batting mainstay Steve Smith expects conditions at World Test Championship final to be batter friendly but believes that they could face India-like conditions as the game progresses.

With true pace and bounce, the venue offers one of the best batting conditions in the UK. India are supposed to play their forefront spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in their bid to take advantage of the circumstances.

"The Oval can present itself with some spin occasionally particularly as the game wears on so we could face some sort of similarities to what we had in India at certain stages of the game.

"But The Oval is a wonderful place to play cricket in. Lightening fast outfield, the square goes whole way across the ground so it is a nice place to bat when you get in and has some decent pace and bounce for an English surface. Should be an absolute cracker," Smith told cricket.com.au ahead of the final beginning 7 June.

Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'

India ODI opener Rohit Sharma silenced speculation about his future with a record‑breaking performance at Lord’s Cricket Ground. HE became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

2 min read

Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'

India ODI captain Shubman Gill rued over the team's shortcomings in the third match against England. India suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions in the one-day series.

1 min read

Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1

With his back against the wall and an illustrious career on the line, Rohit Sharma silenced his critics the only way he can, smashing one of his most celebrated centuries in recent memory, though it wasn't enough to prevent a 27run defeat in the third ODI against England, as India surrendered the series 12 here Sunday

4 min read

India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers

Players of India and England wore black armbands and held a minute's silence at Lord’s Cricket Ground ahead of the third ODI to honour legendary West Indies all‑rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.

1 min read

India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'

India bowling coach Morne Morkel shrugged off any form-related concern over former India his captain Rohit Sharma after he failed to put up impactful knocks in past two matches.