Following AUS’ 2-1 ODI series against India, off-spinner R Ashwin has heaped praises on Steve Smith for his remarkable captaincy during the bilateral.
Smudge’s leadership, combined with a spirited bowling display from his men, saw the visitors beat the Men in Blue by 21 runs during the Chepauk decider after the sides had registered one win each during the first two games.
The 33-year-old’s clever usage of his bowling resources was a major reason for the Men in Yellow’s win as he got some quite overs in from Stoinis and Sean Abbot while Hardik-Jadeja duo looked to stitch a partnership. Smith saved two Adam Zampa overs for the closing stages of the match, where both the batsmen succumbed to him.
Interestingly, Smith’s bold call to promote all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as opener too paid dividends in each of the three ODIs.
R Ashwin praises Steve Smith for his captaincy skills
Impressed by Smith’s impactful leadership, his Test nemesis and Team India off-spinner R Ashwin took to Twitter to acknowledge him as soon as the match reached conclusion.
Doffing his hat to the batter, Ravichandran Ashwin wrote, “Steve Smith and captaincy is a match made in heaven”.
Steve smith and captaincy is a match made in heaven👌#INDvAUS
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 22, 2023
Several Team India fans also praised Steve Smith for his undeniable impact as Australia’s skipper.
Steve Smith as captain in this tour against India:
•In Tests – 1 Won, 1 draw.
•In ODIs – 2 Won, 1 Lost.
•Combined – 3 Won, 1 Draw, 1 Lost.
•Won ODI series against India.Well done, Steve Smith. He's been brilliant with his Captaincy. pic.twitter.com/wppu0d6jly
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 22, 2023
Steve Smith – true leader – Champion. 🔥#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS3rdOdi pic.twitter.com/Pkedt0oiM5
— Cric Point (@RealCricPoint) March 22, 2023
Steve Smith captaincy 🥵 pic.twitter.com/BWq5wi31C2
— ‘ (@BillaOff) March 22, 2023
Steve Smith appreciation post🙏🙌
Didn't deliver as a batter, but opened Australia's eyes as to who is their best captaincy option.
Will be shocked if Cummins continues pic.twitter.com/SHRbI1aQYZ
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 22, 2023
Notably, the last ODI wasn’t a one off. Under Smith, the Kangaroos packed an extra punch right from the Indore test, where he had replaced Pat Cummins as the Team’s captain after the latter flew home to look after his sick mother.
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Though Steve Smith had a horrendous India tour with the bat in hand, failing to cross fifty even on a single occasion, the Australian team showed increased competence under his captaincy, drawing and winning a Test each before clinching the ODI series– an achievement the former full-time skipper can be proud of.
