BGT 2023: Steve Smith 'Can't Keep Calm' As Australia Thrash India in Indore

image-les8c5xbAustralia win the game by 9-wickets [AP Photos]

It won't be an understatement to say that Australia outplayed India in all three departments of the game in the Indore Test.

The Rohit Sharma led unit were the favourites to seal the series, heading into the third Test, but Australia showed their toughness and bounced back in style to win the match by 9-wickets inside three days.

The Indore track was not an easy pitch to bat on, and batters from both the sides found it first hand. However, it was the Australian bowling, led by Nathan Lyon that made the difference. India were knocked over for 109 and 163 in the combined two innings, and the Australian spinners spun their web around the Indian batters.

Matthew Kuhnemann was the chief destroyer in the first innings, picking up his maiden fifer to rattle the Indian top-order. In the second innings, Lyon showed his skills in sub-continent track and scalped 8 wickets to push India on the brink of an embarassing loss.

Speaking to the broadcasters after the game, Steve Smith was ecstatic with the win and credited the entire team for a fantastic performance.

"Yeah, everything I think. Right from losing the toss, we might have been on the back foot, but we bowled well to push them. Matthew Kuhnemann was outstanding in the first-innings. Nathan Lyon as always was spot-on in both innings'. Usman batted well for us. See, they did bowl decently. Umesh was excellent for them. Todd Murphy was brilliant going just one an over in his first 10-odd overs," said Smith.

"I like to do captaincy in this part of the world. See, Pat Cummins had to go back home since his mother is ill. Thoughts with him. I believe I have a good understanding of the complexities. It's a place I enjoy going to, and I think I did a good job this week. 

The approach will be similar. We'll have to wait and see what the conditions are. It's great to be in the WTC final, but it all comes down to playing good cricket. Hopefully, we'll be able to finish the series well."

After this emphatic win, Australia have qualified for the WTC finals, whereas India need to win the Ahmedabad Test to seal their place for a battle with the Aussies once again.