Smith: Voges was fine with Hobart declaration

Australia

Australia captain Steve Smith has revealed that he discussed the timing of his declaration in the first Test against the West Indies with Adam Voges, and the batsman was happy to forgo a triple century.

Voges was 31 runs shy of his maiden triple ton when Smith declared in Hobart, and while fans commented on Smith denying his team-mate a milestone, Smith said he asked Voges about it, and that the team came first.

Smith told Inside Cricket: "I think the way we play our best we don't think about personal milestones and that kind of thing. And we go out there and try and drive the game as much as possible.

"I spoke to Vogesy at lunch and he was on 269 and it was 'do you want to have a quick crack?' or that kind of thing. And he was like, 'Nah, we'll do what’s best for the team'.

"That’s the kind of guy he is. He’s great around the group and he always wants the team to do well."

Smith also said that Voges' vast experience in Australia has proved crucial, and that the Warriors skipper was proving the selectors correct to give him a chance in his mid-30s.

Smith added: "He’s batting as well as anyone in the country at the moment and he’s got that experience. He’s been there and done the lot.

"I think it’s good that he’s scoring runs when we're under pressure. I think that’s the most important thing and he’s providing that beautifully."

The inexperienced skipper added that Voges was a handy sounding board: "It’s been nice standing next to Adam Voges at second slip.

"He’s played a lot of cricket, he’s extremely experienced, so he’s been someone I can bounce a few ideas off.

"Davey Warner obviously, my vice-captain, he’s quite nearby and he’s always got something to provide.

"We've got a great group, they really listen and want to get better as a group. It’s great."

Australia won that Test by an innings and 212 runs, and will play the second of three Tests in Melbourne, starting on Boxing Day.

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