He absorbed the pressure very well – Wasim Jaffer lauds Steve Smith for WTC Final knock against India

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer hailed Steve Smith for his brilliant knock in the World Test Championship final against India. Smith scored his 31st Test century, scoring a magnificent knock of 121 runs in the first innings of the summit clash.

In fact, Australia was under the cosh at 73-3 however Smith added a gargantuan alliance of 285 runs with Travis Head, in which he played a second-fiddle role. Jaffer lauded Smith for absorbing the pressure and making the most of his experience in the final clash.

Smith scored 19 fours in his marathon knock as he took a total of 268 balls. On the other hand, Travis Head played the aggressive role as the left-hander scored 163 runs off just 174 balls, with the help of 25 fours and one six.

Wasim Jaffer told Sportskeeda, “He has scored everywhere, including turning tracks in India. Steve Smith didn’t allow India’s bowlers to dominate despite Australia losing the toss. The ball was swinging. There were slight movements but I think his innings was amazing. He absorbed the pressure very well.”

Head and Smith played a key role in taking Australia to a massive total of 469 runs after Rohit Sharma decided to put them into bat. Jaffer, who had a terrific record in the domestic circuit, added the duo’s mammoth alliance broke the backbone of the Indian team.

“Travis Head’s partnership with Steve Smith broke the backbone of Team India. It was very crucial from Australia’s point of view. It put Team India into backfoot. Travis Head counter-attacked since Smith was taking his time.”

Jaffer heaped praise on Travis Head for playing an aggressive role in the partnership and putting Australia in a commanding position.

He said: “Smith almost took 150 balls to reach his fifty, but Head was playing almost run-a-ball. Even though he struggled against odd short deliveries, he didn’t get out. He never missed out on any opportunity to hit boundaries. One of the best knocks from Australia’s perspective.”

Australia will take on England in the Ashes and once again Smith as well as Head will hold the key for them. The first Ashes Test starts Friday at Edgbaston, Birmingham.