Aakash Chopra has identified Steve Smith’s poor batting performances as one of Australia’s major worries ahead of their World Cup 2023 match against the Netherlands.
On Wednesday, October 25, the two teams will face off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. In Australia’s first match of the tournament against India, Smith managed to score 46 runs but has struggled to reach the 20-run mark in subsequent matches. He will be eager to make a significant contribution against the Dutch team.
In a video previewing the game on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted that Smith’s performance will be closely observed. He further explained:
“Australia have won two matches, so they have got the momentum now. It is a small ground and if they bat first, they will score 350 again. Steve Smith hasn’t scored runs. It will be interesting whether runs come from his bat or not because he has been a point of concern.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener also stated that Marnus Labuschagne, who might be replaced in the XI by Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell had not batted. He stated:
“Marnus Labuschagne – he too hasn’t given any great performance thus far. Maxwell with the bat – he has been totally missing thus far. So these are a few points of concern which they would want to address.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra emphasized the importance of Wednesday’s game for Australia. He pointed out that Pat Cummins and company are ahead of India, South Africa, and New Zealand in the fight for fourth place, despite the fact that Pakistan has already landed and England is yet to play.
Aakash Chopra feels Mitchell Starc is not in his best form in Australia’s bowling
When discussing Australia’s bowling performance, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra emphasized that Mitchell Starc has not been performing at his usual high level in the ongoing World Cup. Chopra further explained:
“They will manage in bowling. Mitchell Starc has looked a little cold to me. He has not looked the same Mitchell Starc that you generally see in the World Cups. He is generally in the highest wicket-takers list but he is not at all looking like that this time.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Australia’s fifth bowler limit is another source of concern. He elaborated:
“Josh Hazlewood is bowling extremely well. It will become better if he gets a few more wickets. Pat Cummins is picking up wickets although he remains expensive. Then Adam Zampa, the fifth bowler is still a question, whether Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis will do that or whether they will get the 10 overs from both of them together.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra anticipates a battle from the Netherlands in Wednesday’s encounter, emphasizing that they do not lose one-sidedly. He did, however, end by identifying Australia as the most likely victor.