India played into our hands with pitch preparation: Smith

Indian batsmen were made to hop skip and jump by left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe as they surrendered to a 333-run loss in the first Test of the four-match series. “It was up to them to prepare a wicket and they prepared a wicket that actually played into our hands,” Smith said. 

“I think it was certainly a wicket that was likely to suit the Indian players. I think it evened up the contest a lot more. We saw the way our spinners bowled on that. They were able to generate some good spin and good natural variation out of the wicket,” said Smith. 

In a subtle way, Smith said that he is curious to know what kind of wicket will be prepared in Bengaluru. “It would be interesting to see what they come up with come Bangalore (for the second Test commencing March 4),” added Smith, who led the way in batting with a second innings hundred that took the game away from the hosts.

Smith termed this Test win as an achievement right up there with some of the memorable Australian victories.