NEW DELHI: The India-Australia rivalry brings no dull moment for the cricket fans, as the sledging and verbal volleys between the players on the ground add a spark to it. But what is seen on the field is not off it, as star Aussie batter Steve Smith opens up about his camaraderie with Virat Kohli.
Smith praised Kohli’s competitive mindset and likened him to Australian cricketers, emphasising his aggressive approach, readiness to take on challenges and ability to dominate under pressure.
“We get along very well. We often share messages, and he is fantastic and a wonderful player. I think Virat Kohli is Australian in his mindset and work. The way he enters a battle, accepts challenges, and dominates his position. So, among Indian players, he is probably the most Australian,” Smith said on Star Sports.
Dominant wins by both teams in the first two Tests, coupled with inconsistent performances from some of their star batters, leave no clear favourite for the third match of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar series, set to begin on Saturday in Brisbane.
India secured a commanding 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth, but Australia responded strongly with a resounding 10-wicket triumph in the second day-night Test in Adelaide.
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On paper, Australia hold the advantage, considering their impressive record at Brisbane’s Gabba, often dubbed “The Fortress” by local fans. Since 1988, Australia have won 26 of their last 35 Test matches at the Gabba, with only two losses and seven draws.
India, on the other hand, have played seven Test matches at the venue between 1947 and 2021, securing one win and one draw. However, in their most recent encounter there in January 2021, India made history by defeating Australia by three wickets, ending Australia’s 32-year undefeated streak at the stadium in Woolloongabba, which is also known for its nickname “The Gabba.”