“When we’ve got them on the ropes,we can slow things down,” Smith said. “We don’t have to play at such a high tempo and risky tempo. Because we had them where we wanted them,we had men out and the ability to get off strike. We just rushed it.
“It’s not easy. That’s the way they go. They know when they are on top of you,they’ll try and rush you and play on their terms. For us,when we’re under pressure it’s about slowing it down as much as we can;maybe making them wait a little bit,walk away and regain your thoughts rather than just coming back and back. Certain things like that.”
Players have discussed and trained for better conversations in the middle. Smith also pointed out that had a poised Peter Handscomb been granted a couple longer-term batting partners,some far bigger first innings scores would have resulted.
“Communication is really key. Being able to speak to your partner and say,‘aw,I think he’s trying to get you out this way,or what do you think of this or that’,” Smith said. “Just to get through that period and you know the longer you’re out there,the easier that it sort of gets in a way.
“And it will be different for everyone,the way they handle those moments. Think it’s finding that in our game and hopefully that applies a bit more pressure on them.”
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With Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green to return,Smith will likely have three spinners to wrangle. He is conscious,too,of keeping egos in check.
“It’s making sure you are taking anyone’s ego out of play,making sure you are bowling who you think is best at that time,” Smith said. “I am going to make sure that if we go down the three spin path to make it known that this is the match-up I feel is best at this present time.”
As for Cummins,there is a strong desire among the tourists to give him something to smile about back home.
“We are all thinking of Pat,” Smith said. “He’s obviously going through a difficult time at home. It’s where he should be,really,with his mum. Hopefully we can put in a good performance for him.”