Smith unfazed by pink-ball threat, supports Cummins’ Australia Day call

Australian vice-captain Steve Smith is unfazed by the prospect of opening the batting against the pink Kookaburra under lights this week despite lingering uncertainty about the Gabba pitch.

The 34-year-old had never opened the batting at first-class level before last week’s series opener against the West Indies in Adelaide, where he scored 12 and 11 not out as the hosts cruised to a ten-wicket victory.

Australia has named an unchanged team for the second and final Test, Smith’s first day-night Test in Brisbane since 2016. The New South Welshman scored 130 and 63 against Pakistan eight years ago, albeit while batting at No. 4.

Speaking to reporters at the Gabba on Wednesday afternoon, Smith confessed he found it “quite difficult” to tame the pink Kookaburra during the previous evening’s net session but emphasised he was feeling good ahead of the day-night contest.

“It was challenging under the lights, the ball was nipping around a bit and the brand new balls are quite difficult to face,” Smith said.

“I find with the pink ball batting at night is probably easier to see the ball … in the day I find it more difficult to see.

“I feel like I’m batting well, and hopefully I can make some good decisions this week and get a total.”

Australia has never lost a pink-ball Test, winning 11 consecutive day-night matches since 2015, including games at the Gabba in 2016 (39-run victory vs Pakistan) and 2019 (innings and 40-run victory vs Sri Lanka).

“It is always a challenge batting under lights when the ball is new, it is always difficult,” Smith continued.

“The only pink-ball game I have played here was against Pakistan … the ball got really soft quickly here. If that’s the case, the new ball might be difficult, and then it might be nice to bat after that. We will see.”

Last year’s Gabba Test between Australia and South Africa only lasted two days, with 34 wickets falling across 144 overs on a volatile green pitch. The Brisbane venue was subsequently handed a “below average” rating by ICC match referee Richie Richardson, earning a demerit point.

The Gabba pitch had a healthy layer of grass on Wednesday afternoon, but Smith said it was too early to predict how the surface would react over the coming five days.

“Last year was pretty tough, there was plenty going on,” Smith lamented.

“It is a bit different this year with the pink (ball), but I haven’t had a look at the wicket yet. From all reports, it looks pretty good.

“I’m intrigued by this wicket, the only game I played here before was against Pakistan where they almost chased down 480, which is kind of unheard of.

“Whether this wicket offers a bit more or they leave a bit more grass to keep the ball harder, I’m not sure.

“We’ll wait and see what it has to offer.”

Smith will almost certainly lock horns with West Indies seamer Shamar Joseph at some stage in Brisbane, but the right-hander feels more prepared to face the exciting young quick after Joseph knocked him over first ball in Adelaide.

“Facing the first ball from Shamar, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Smith said.

“I feel like a lot of new bowlers have got me out first ball when I face them for the first time.

“He looks a good talent.”

Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald have contracted Covid-19 on the eve of the Gabba Test, and will be separated from the rest of the squad until they return a negative test.

Green did not attend the optional training session at the Gabba on Wednesday afternoon, while McDonald distanced himself from others and donned a mask while indoors. Assistant coach Michael Di Venuto facetiously separated McDonald and Australian opener Usman Khawaja while they were chatting during a net session.

Smith clarified that Green and McDonald were both “fine” with “no physical dramas”, but admitted it might be a “lonely week” for the duo.

“Greeny’s in the gully anyway, away from us,” Smith laughed.

Day two of the Gabba Test falls on Australia Day, and Cricket Australia’s refusal to commemorate the public holiday has created heated debate within the sporting community.

On Tuesday, Australian captain Pat Cummins called for the date of Australia Day to be changed, with Smith throwing his support behind the move following a conversation with Indigenous cricketer Scott Boland.

“As Australians, you want all Australians to celebrate that day, and all Australians don’t, the way it is at the moment,” Smith said.

“Maybe that is the way forward – to have Australians celebrating on that day.”

The second Test between Australia and West Indies gets underway at the Gabba on Thursday, with the first ball scheduled for 3pm AEDT.