Pink ball can be little bit unpredictable at times: Steve Smith

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has got off to a rollicking start as Australia, who had started off as the favourites, suffered a thumping 295-run loss in the series opener in Perth. They now face an uphill task against a buoyant Indian outfit as the two sides are set to face each other in a pink-ball encounter in Adelaide from December 6. 

Australian middle-order batter, Steve Smith, emphasised concentration as one of the most critical parameters while facing the pink ball.

"It can be challenging at different times of the day or night, depending on where you bat and the situation of the game. So, you have to be really switched on. The pink ball can be a little bit unpredictable at times. So, you have to be really focused,” shared Smith, speaking exclusively to Star Sports.

Skipper, Pat Cummins, in contrast, was quite nonchalant and generic with his response.

“I think all the basics stay the same really. Sometimes, the game can go at different paces as the ball gets older and softer. But outside of that, it's a test for you," noted Cummins.

Also Read: How can pink ball challenge cricketers at sunset?

I think the drop-in wicket suits me: Travis Head 

Australia's top-scorer in the first game, Travis Head, was quite detailed when it came to the topic. He mentioned that the drop-in wicket suited his style of play and expressed his excitement for what he thought was an "exciting week" of cricket.

“It can be a tough wicket to bat on. Obviously, the drop-in wicket, you've got to score in different ways. I think it suits me. Obviously, I bat there a lot. t's been nice to get some runs in the last couple of years there and try to do the same again this year. It's always a nice week for me. It's relaxed. I'm in my own bed. I've got a lot of friends and family. I've got a lot of mates that come to watch, and it's good fuel for the week. So, I'll be looking forward to that. I think day-night Test matches as well this summer - they do it extremely well. Great atmosphere. The ball is always doing something. The wickets are obviously doing a fair bit. So it makes for an exciting week,” added Head.

Both the sides would like to get a move on and put on a better showing at the Adelaide Oval. The hosts will take some confidence from their previous outing at the same venue in 2020, when they dismantled India for their lowest Test score (36) before gliding across to an eight-wicket win.