NSW duo Steve Smith and David Warner hit Sheffield Shield centuries in their clash with Victoria on Thursday as Smith declared he’d be going after England spinner Graeme Swann in the upcoming Ashes series.
Warner continued his stunning domestic build-up to the Ashes opener at the Gabba on November 21 by punching out his fourth century of the season which included three in last month’s one-day tournament.
Opener Warner blazed 104 off 87 balls against Victoria’s hapless bowlers at the MCG on Thursday, hitting 16 boundaries as NSW were bowled out for 353 at stumps in reply to Victoria’s first innings of 236.
Test No.5 Smith (107) was also in sparkling touch and says his confidence is growing ahead of the return series against Alastair Cook’s men.
The 24-year-old dasher struck 13 fours and two sixes in his 169-ball knock, handing out plenty of punishment to Victoria’s legspinner and Test hopeful Fawad Ahmed (1-91 off 21 overs).
“When the field was up I always thought about taking him over his head,” Smith said.
“There was a pretty good breeze there so I only needed to get a little bit of it and it would probably go for either four or six.
“That just changes the field a little bit and it’s easier to work the ball around then.”
Smith scored 345 runs in the Ashes series in England earlier this year.
“I think that (attacking strategy) worked quite well for me over in England,” he said.
“I got a hold of him (Swann) a couple of times and they put the field back straight away, so it gave me a good opportunity to get down the other end and get off strike and form a partnership.
“That’s quite often my role against spinners, trying to manipulate the field a little bit and make them do something different and change their line and lengths.”
While Smith will be crucial to Australia’s hopes of regaining the Ashes, the pocket rocket Warner has the potential to set up the home side for big totals.
“Davey batted very well this morning,” Smith enthused.
“He handled the new ball beautifully and played his shots.
“He’s coming on very well, playing some very good cricket and some very smart cricket. It’s great to see.”
Smith said adopting an aggressive mindset would be vital for himself and also Warner in the Ashes.
“That’s the key to batting probably. Looking to score runs and looking to be positive,” 12-Test veteran Smith said.
“If I go the other way and try and be defensive my feet don’t work and I’ll just get out.”
Warner was unavailable for comment on Thursday but spoke last month about how being dropped from the one-day tour of India was a blessing in disguise and allowed him to go to the beach, relax and spend more time with his girlfriend, professional ironwoman Candice Falzon.
Prime candidate for the vacant Test No.6 position George Bailey would have been disappointed at not adding to his overnight score of 34 in Tasmania’s Shield clash with Queensland at Allan Border Field.
Bailey’s fellow Test hopefuls Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh are no closer to getting a bat for Australia A against England after day two was rained out and bad weather forecast for the coming days.
