Kim Hughes offers a different point of view in Steve Smith's struggling form in the Test series

India is up against Australia for the four-match Test series currently, and the series is levelled at the moment as 1-1. Adelaide Test story was a horrible incident for India, but the team definitely knew how to bounce back and showed the class game in Melbourne. What has been a big concern for Australia is the unusual form of star batsman Steve Smith. Smith has been struggling big time with the bat in the Test series so far.

In the last two games (four innings), Smith has been able to collect only 10-runs under his belt, which includes a duck. He was been knocked down by Ravi Ashwin twice, and it remains a big issue for the host team. While many experts around the world have been questioning his technique against Indian bowlers, former Australian skipper Kim Hughes has put up a different point of view. Hughes believes that a long time away from his family has not been good for Smith’s mental health.

“Look, Smith is a world-class player but hasn’t looked like it in the Test series. He has been away from his wife Dani for over four-and-a-half months due to cricket schedule and quarantine restrictions. Smith hasn’t been in a good space- away from his partner,” Hughes told Times of India.

I expect Steve Smith to do well in Sydney: Hughes

Smith hasn’t seen his wife for over four months. Recently, Dani had to even celebrate Christmas without him. She travelled to Melbourne to be with Smith but was denied entry due to several COVID-19 bubble protocols. However, she finally came with a post that she is going to see her husband Smith as the couple got united in Sydney. Hughes believes that Smith can turn tables again in Sydney after meeting his partner.

“I expect him to do well in Sydney. Smith just needs to spend some time in the middle, and the runs will come automatically,” Hughes added. Hughes also added that the comeback of David Warner in the team will also boost the team’s morale from the next game in Sydney.