Steve Smith played a scratchy innings scoring 8 runs in the first One-Day International against England © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
London: Jun 30, 2012
Australia captain Michael Clarke defended his decision of playing Steve Smith in the team at number six position in the batting order.
"He (Steve Smith) is a very talented all-rounder. He can bat, bowl and is as good as anyone in the field so I would love to see him put his hand up and make some runs,” Clarke said.
Australia lost the first match of the five-match One-Day International series against England by 15 runs after a mid-innings collapse.
Critics believed a frontline batsman would have done a far better job against the English attack as Steve Smith looked nervous during his 13-ball stay at the crease.
"It is a crucial position not having Michael Hussey,” Clarke was quoted as saying by herald.com.au
Talking about Smith, Clarke further said, "He went back to NSW and tried to score as many runs and take as many wickets as he could and now he is being given a second opportunity and it is about taking this opportunity with both hands and not letting go of it again."
Clarke also said that the ODI series isn’t a preparatory tour and that Australia are playing to win it.
"It is not five trial games, we are here to win. My goal is to pick the best XI and we will do that at The Oval. I don't care which players take the field. We will look at areas to improve," Clarke concluded.
