Smith Backs His Captaincy Going into 100th ODI

New Delhi : Ahead of his 100th One-Day International (ODI), Steve Smith has backed his captaincy. Australia trailing 0-1 in the series face India in the second ODI at Kolkata. The Australian captain, reacting to his predecessor Michael Clarke’s remark that his leadership is being challenged, said he is not “in a bad place” at the moment.
“I don’t think I am in a bad place in my captaincy. Obviously, results haven’t been as we liked for a little while and that’s something we are trying to rectify. Guys are working hard and are ensuring that the job is done out there,” Smith told reporters before the second ODI.
“It’s disappointing start the series with a loss but we have another game tomorrow and we will try and turn things around,” he added. Clarke on Tuesday had said Smith’s captaincy is “being challenged” and that he needs to find a way to win cricket matches.
100th ODI for Smith
Smith, who started as a leg-spinner, is one of the finest batsmen in the game right now. Talking about his evolution as a player, he said: “I think I have evolved a lot as a white ball player. When I started playing ODI cricket, my first 30 odd games, I’ve played more as a bowler. So had to change a bit there. Been batting at No 3 for a while now. So had to find the right tempo of the game, whether it’s hitting the fielders in the deep or knowing the right time to hit a boundary.
“I think you learn as you play and ya excited to be playing my 100th game tomorrow.” The Australian skipper also said he is still learning as a No.3 batsman.
“I am still learning. I think you’re always learning and trying to get better. You are never satisfied and I’ve learnt a long along the way.