We have made the right decision to not play tour match in India: Steve Smith

Australia have recently made it a point not to play tour games on overseas tours. Coach Andrew McDonald along with Australian Test vice-captain Steve Smith have opened up regarding the same explaining the thought process behind the move.

McDonald reckoned that the games are not the kind of practice the team needs. He further emphasised on the fact that the team did not play a single tour game on their recent away tours to the sub-continent as they focused on preparing by themselves.

“No tour game is something we’ve done in the last few series, before embarking on overseas tours. We feel as though we don’t need that match practice as such. We’re going to go to India about a week out from the first game. We didn’t want to press for too much longer, in terms of the preparation,” McDonald told Sydney Morning Herald.

“We’ve done it before with the Pakistan build-up in Melbourne. Dusting up wickets. Working with the local groundsmen who really help us in and around the country. We feel as though we can get as close to that as possible without necessarily having a practice game,” he said.

We’re better off having our own nets: Steve Smith

Steve Smith as well spoke on this issue and suggested that it is better to practice on their own than relying on tour games.

“The last time we went I’m pretty sure we got served up a green-top (to practice on) and it was sort of irrelevant. We’re better off having our own nets and getting spinners in and bowling as much as they can. We’ll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we’ve made the right decision to not play a tour match,” said Smith.

India would be hosting Australia in February-March for a four-match Test series followed by a three-match ODI series. Both teams are looking to seal their spots in the World Test Championship final, which is likely to be played at the Oval from June 8.