PAK vs AUS: 'I think Lahore pitch will be similar to first two Test matches', says Steve Smith

LAHORE: Australia vice-captain Steve Smith believes that the Lahore pitch will be similar to the first two Tests that were played in Pindi and Karachi.

After the opening Test match in Pindi ended in a draw, Babar Azam's and Mohammad Rizwan's heroics helped the hosts pull off an unbelievable draw in the second Test match at the National Cricket Stadium Karachi.

"I have not seen the Lahore pitch yet, but I am not expecting a bouncy pitch. I think the pitch will be similar to the first two Test matches," Smith said in an online press conference ahead of the final Test in Lahore.

The third-ranked ICC Test batter said that the Aussie team prefers to play Test matches in challenging conditions, and they like to come here and play on different pitches.

"I tried to play long innings on these pitches but could score around 70. Despite hard work, I kept getting out, and I was definitely very disappointed, but I hope I succeed to play long innings in Lahore Test," Smith added.

Karachi Test

Talking about Karachi Test and his performance in the match, Smith praised the Pakistan team's performance as they pulled off a draw and said he tried to play reverse swing while staying in position.

"In the Karachi Test, Pakistan played 172 overs in the fourth innings and batted brilliantly. We came very close to winning the Karachi Test, but we missed many chances," the right-handed batter said.

"When Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf tried the reverse swing, I tried to play in position," he added.

Babar Azam

Smith heaped praise on Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who was sensational for the Green Shirt, scoring 196 runs in 425 balls to draw the match for Pakistan.

"Babar Azam played an extraordinary innings in the Karachi Test, and he set many records during his innings. He is among the top five batters. He played very well against our spinners," Smith said.

"Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafiq also played well in the fourth innings," he added.

The historic series

The 32-year-old said that the historic series between Pakistan and Australia is being played in the best environment.

"So far, the series is going very well and is being played in a wonderful spirit Both the teams have played good cricket. The game is being played in the best environment," he concluded.

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