SA vs AUS, 2018: Steven Smith feels South Africa tour to test out skills

Following the rollicking performance at home in the Ashes 2017-18 against England, Australian skipper Steven Smith wants to deliver this time in South Africa.

On the hindsight, Australia is ready to face the biggest challenge. Even after being in some kind of a form in the Test fold the visitors have to be on top of their game.

“It was a terrific Test summer, the way the guys stood up in pressure moments was probably the difference in the end,” Smith was quoted as saying by CA.

Steven Smith ready for the Proteas challenge

The 28-year-old top-order batsman Smith urges his teammates to replicate the traditional series performances. Kangaroos regained the Ashes series 4-0 follow the spectacular all-round show.

“We’re going to be faced with some high-pressure moments in South Africa and it’s about winning those moments,” Smith asserted.

Briefing the reporters in Melbourne, Smith draws a line to fight it out. He made it clear the tour would be a tough challenge.

Smith remarked there would be exciting things on an offer while taking against second-ranked Proteas.

“We know that one good summer doesn’t make a good cricket side, we have to keep backing it up, it’s going to be a good challenge for the group,” Smith maintained.

Following the golden period with the bat, Steven Smith has been hailed as a superstar. It came after the right-handed batsman rode on brilliant performances while donning the whites.

The four-match Test series will be beginning from March 1 at Kingsmead in Durban. The gruelling series will culminate with the final Test at Wanderers in Johannesburg on April 3.

On February 13, Steven Smith was named Australia’s Test Cricketer of the Year for the second time. He was awarded Allan Border medal.

Following the easy ride in the traditional series at home, Australia suffered the 4-1 loss in the Gillette ODI series.

Moreover, Ashes glory saw Smith leading from the front to lift the first coveted title under his captaincy.

On the other side, Qantas tour to South Africa from Australia has already witnessed the pecking bowling order. Smith reiterated the hosts are lined-up with quality bowlers.

“I think they’ve got a terrific bowling attack as well, so it’s going to be nice to see both of them go head-to-head,” Smith said.

Australia has already announced the 15-member squad. The three warm-up game is scheduled between February 22 and 24.

“It’s going to be important for us to keep them going and keep working well as a unit,” Smith concluded while believing the senior campaigners are there to leave an impact.

The touring team will fly to the Rainbow Nation on Thursday (February 15). The visitors will face SA Invitational XI at Sahara Park in Benoni.

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