'Need to make him play more in the first 20 balls' - Charl Langeveldt reveals plan for Steve Smith ahead of Brisbane Test

The Australian team led by Pat Cummins will face a stern test against an imperious Protean bowling attack in the upcoming Test series, commencing on December 17. The visitors have won their previous three Test series on Australian soil and are hoping for another memorable series victory by targetting batting ace Steve Smith. 

South African bowling coach Charl Langeveldt has revealed that they will attack Steve Smith in the initial stages of his innings in hopes of halting his progress in the match. He acknowledged the changes Smith made to his technique, providing a more stable base for the prolific batter. Langeveldt aims at making the batters play most of the deliveries when they are fresh at the crease, especially targetting fuller lengths on a green pitch at the Gabba.

“The key to most of the top six is the first 20 balls and to make them play. Steve has changed. He is not on the move anymore and he has got a good base now where he is not moving around the crease as much. I think it is going to be a good challenge for our boys. The boys are up for the challenge, but the key is going to be that first 20 balls where we need to really make him play more.” Langeveldt said to the media ahead of the series opener in Brisbane.

Steve Smith climbed to the second spot in ICC's Test rankings for batters after a prolific output in the recently concluded Test series against the Windies. The Aussie averages a staggering 60.98 in red-ball cricket, however, he has the second-lowest batting average against the Proteas in 17 innings. He has scored just one century against the African outfit and hasn't been comfortable against their famed bowling attack.

Pat Cummins's return to the starting eleven will be a huge shot in the arm for the visitors for the series opener on a seemingly bowling-friendly surface in Brisbane. He missed the second Test against the Windies due to a quadriceps injury and was a doubt for the series opener against the Proteas.