Rahul Dravid Backs Addition of Steve Smith And David Warner To Present A Stiff Challenge To India Down Under

Former Indian batting great Rahul Dravid feels that all eyes would be on Steve Smith and David Warner when the Indian team visit Australia to defend their Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. The prolific batting duo will have their sights set on making Australia regain the coveted trophy as their side’s mainstay. Rahul Dravid is one of those, who feel that the pair’s presence will give the tourists a stiff challenge this time.

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Former Australian captain and vice-captain Steve Smith and David Warner ceased to be part of the previous series between the two sides conducted down under. Their absence played a massive role in Virat Kohli’s men recording their first-ever Test series victory on the Australian soil. But Smith and Warner have successfully reintegrated back to the team following their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal and serving a year ban.

Rahul Dravid has cited that absence of both men as a significant impact on the Australian team. He adored Steve Smith for carrying Australia’s hopes in the Ashes 2019 along with Marnus Labuschagne, who excellently supported him. Hence, Dravid believes that Smith’s and Warner’s presence would provide India with an uphill task in toppling the Aussies.

“Missing Smith and Warner was a huge thing for Australia because of the impact they have on that team. They are their top two batsmen, they scored the most number of runs. We have seen how a big impact someone like Smith had on the Ashes even though Warner was out of form, he was able to carry that series along with Labuschagne on his own.”

But yes these two guys (Smith and Warner) will make a huge impact in that team so it will be a bigger and stiffer challenge for India this time around.” the 164-Test veteran said as quoted by Times of India.

Rahul Dravid backs his countrymen to compete hard:

The former Indian captain didn’t hold back from supporting the Indian side, claiming they also have the firepower to challenge Australia in their backyard. Dravid is confident that the series is going to be a blockbuster one, especially with India winning the last time down under. The four-match Test series begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on the 3rd of December.

“But I’d say India has got the firepower to compete and they have got top-class players. So it should be a good one, everyone is going to look forward to it.” he stated further.

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