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Australia's star batter Steve Smith cited that he made some adjustments to his game in the 2023 World Cup clash against the Netherlands in Delhi on Wednesday. The right-handed batter also revealed that he felt good about batting on the tough Chennai surface against India in Australia's tournament opener.
After a gritty 46 against India in Chennai, Smith compiled two low scores, leaving his place in slight doubt. However, he returned to form against the Dutch, striking 71 off 68 deliveries. He also shared a 132-run partnership with David Warner after Mitchell Marsh's early dismissal.
Speaking after the 309-run win over the Netherlands, Smith revealed that he changed his bat grip and already started feeling good in the nets. As quoted by India Today, the 34-year-old stated:
"I moved back to leg stump a little bit. I got my hands a little bit higher than what they've been for the last week. For some reason, they've dropped down a bit. I just felt it in the nets yesterday and everything sort of clicked back into place again. I felt like I was batting well a couple of weeks back against India. I thought I was actually getting back through the ball nicely on a pretty tough surface and playing well and then for a week kind of lost it for a bit."
Half-centuries by Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were as vital as tons by David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, propelling Australia to 399/8 in 50 overs. Adam Zampa's four wickets skittled the Netherlands for 90, helping them secure a 309-run victory.
"I was getting good positions" - Steve Smith
Steve Smith further reflected that he has been unlucky at times and hopes to continue the good form in the remaining games.
"I got a couple of nice balls, I suppose the one that swung back and got me out, and (Kagiso) Rabada's, which was a little questionable," the former Aussie skipper added. "I felt like I've been batting really well. I just needed to get the feel again and batting yesterday at the nets straight away I had a smile on my face at the back end.
"I felt good and took that into today and felt nice. I thought I was getting good positions today and yeah, hopefully that continues."
Australia will next be seen in action when they face New Zealand on October 28 in Dharamsala.
