Steve Smith crushed the bowlers in the nets before the CSK clash. | Photo – Video Capture |
Key points
- Steve Smith was seen with a good pace on the networks before the first match of the Rajasthan Royals IPL 2020
- Rajasthan Royals will face the Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni in Sharjah on Tuesday
- Steve Smith also played the helicopter throw while hitting in the nets.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will open their 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Sharjah on Tuesday. Steve Smith will lead the Royals after being declared fit to play and will look to make an instant hit with the bat in the absence of players like Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.
While Stokes has yet to land in the UAE and is caring for his sick father, Buttler will miss the match against CSK due to quarantine restrictions. Smith will have to take responsibility with the bat in the absence of the star duo against a stern CSK bowling lineup. Smith looked in good shape on the net before his team’s opening game.
The Australian batsman was seen toning the bowlers at the nets and made some good shots, including Dhoni’s famous helicopter shot. Rajasthan Royals shared a video of Smith’s hitting and wrote: “That balance. That footwork. That moment. How we miss you!”
Smith had a disappointing season with the bat in the recently concluded T20I series between Australia and England, where he returned with scores 18, 10 and 3 respectively in three games. Smith will look to keep his string of poor performances behind him and start on a fresh note for the Royals in the UAE.
The Royals are likely to head into a clash with India’s under-19 star Yashasvi Jaiswal as a starter alongside experienced Robin Uthappa. Smith will hit number three in all likelihood with David Miller and Sanju Samson in the middle order. Jofra Archer will lead the rhythm attack alongside players like Jaydev Unadkat and Ankit Rajput in support.
The Chennai Super Kings are expected to carry on the winning combination of their victory against the Mumbai Indians on Saturday. CSK will look to continue its winning streak against the Royals.
