Ravichandran Ashwin Hails Steve Smith’s Captaincy After He Guides Australia To Series Win Over India

Steve Smith might not have performed well as a batsman on the tour of India but he has definitely excelled as a captain. On Wednesday (March 22), he led Australia to a memorable ODI series win over India as the visitors ended their tour on a good note.

Steve Smith was appointed Australia’s stand-in captain after the second Test of the four-match series that took place before the ODIs. He took charge after Pat Cummins returned home to be with his ill mother who recently passed away.

With Cummins deciding to extend his stay at home, Steve Smith went on to lead Australia in the last two Tests as well as the 3 ODIs and did remarkably well. He did not lose a single game on the tour as captain. Under him, Australia won the third Test to seal their place in the ICC World Test Championship final before drawing the fourth Test.

In the ODIs, Australia were clearly the better side as they came from behind to win the three-match series. After losing the first match by 5 wickets, the visitors thrashed the hosts by 10 wickets in the second ODI to draw level in the series.

And on Wednesday, the Steve Smith-led side beat India by 21 runs in the third ODI to clinch the series. Batting first, Australia scored 269 runs. In reply, India were all out for just 248.

Ravichandran Ashwin praises Steve Smith:

As Steve Smith led Australia brilliantly in the third ODI, India ace Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to lavish praise on him. Few minutes before the third ODI came to an end, Ashwin said that Smith is made for captaincy, writing: “Steve smith and captaincy is a match made in heaven👌#INDvAUS”

Steve smith and captaincy is a match made in heaven👌#INDvAUS

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) March 22, 2023

Meanwhile, Smith recently played down the chances of him becoming Australia’s full-time captain. Speaking after guiding his team to a win in the third Test earlier this month, he had said:

“My time is done. It’s Pat’s team now. I’ve obviously been able to stand in this week, obviously in tough circumstances with Patty going home. Our thoughts are still with him back home.”

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