Smith pleased with his bowling improvement

News

Cricket365
October 3, 2014

Australia all-rounder Steve Smith feels his bowling is as good as it's ever been, if not better, and is ready to show his improvement in the UAE, in the three-format series against Pakistan.

Smith is looking to cement his place in the ODI side ahead of the World Cup, and feels his spin bowling adds a valuable string to his bow, especially on the turning Emirati pitches coming up.

Smith told the CA website after training in Dubai on Friday: "I hit them horribly tonight but besides that I feel like I've been hitting the ball well.

"And I actually feel like the ball's coming out well. Hopefully some good signs and hopefully a few overs as well in the upcoming games.

"In the nets at the moment the ball's probably coming out as well as it has in the last four or five years.

"I just need some game time and trying to get some consistency out there. The only way I can do that is by bowling out in the middle."

Smith also commented on new spin consultant Muttiah Muralitharan's role, saying the Sri Lanka legend's advice would be invaluable, given he has the most Test wickets in history.

The all-rounder added: "In these conditions it's great to have someone with those experiences who can help both the bowlers and the batters.

"He'll be able to tell us how their spinners are likely to bowl at us and what their plans are in these conditions and that's quite beneficial for everyone in our team."

The news had also broken that Mitchell Marsh could miss out on his Test debut due to a hamstring injury, but Smith was hopeful his fellow all-rounder would recover: "He's been in very good form, he's playing some very good cricket.

"Hopefully it's a quick recovery for him and he'll be right for selection for the Test matches.

"He'd be a bit disappointed. It's just one of those little setbacks and hopefully he's quick in his comeback."