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Steven Smith wary of Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah threats

by Sandeep Shivam Wednesday 14 December 2016

Steve Smith will hope to maintain winning streak in day-night Test matches

©REUTERS MEDIA EXPRESS

Australian captain Steven Smith believes the presence of Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah makes the Pakistan team a formidable one in the upcoming three-match Test series.

Shah has been the number one spinner for Pakistan for more than a year now and his impactful performances in England and United Arab Emirates helped his team to secure the number one ranking in Tests before it was reclaimed by India.

Smith had high praises for the 30-year-old and believes the bounce at the Gabba wicket will make him even more dangerous with the ball.

"He's a class bowler. He's pretty accurate as a leg-spinner, he's got good skills and we're going to have to be wary of him in this series," Smith said.

"At the Gabba you'll get a bit of extra bounce as a spin bowler, and that can play in your favour as a spin bowler but it can also play against you – your length has to be spot on.

"Generally there isn't too much turn, it's more bounce, so length is crucial and if you're slightly off your length, (batsmen) can really cash in down the wicket and square of the wicket as well.

"So he's going to have to be pretty accurate."

Recollecting his last meeting with Amir in 2010, Smith also is wary of the presence of the left-arm seamer especially in conditions that aid swing bowling.

"He is a quality bowler. He got some great skills.

"I remember watching in Australia in 2010 and he bowled with real pace, around 145-150 and then in England he slowed it down and got his wrist right and swung the ball.

"It is great to have those kind of skills and no doubt he can be handful if it is swinging around."

After losing the series to South Africa, Australia blooded youngsters like Matt Renshaw, Nic Maddinson and Peter Handscomb in their line-up for the third Test.

Renshaw played an uncharacteristic knock in the second innings where he scored 34 runs off 137 deliveries and remained unbeaten to complete a chase of 127 and Smith had high regards for the potential of the 20-year-old.

"He has been really good around the group.

"He was pretty quiet in the first week and is coming out of the shell.

"I am impressed with the way he played last week and he has got beautiful hands in the slip cordon as well. Hopefully he can have a nice week at his home ground."

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan scheduled to be played in Brisbane on 15th December will also be a day-night affair.