Recalled Australia Test batsman Steve Smith says a session with the team’s shrink has helped clear his mind for his return to the baggy green.
The 23-year-old averages under 30 in five Tests and has regained his spot following Australia’s shock decision to ban four players for one match for disciplinary reasons.
Smith, who hasn’t played a Test since January 2011, hasn’t been setting the world on fire at Shield level with 296 runs at 37 this summer.
But the arrival of sports psychologist Michael Lloyd could help pave the way for the NSW right-hander to establish himself at Test level.
“He’s very good at his job just about the mental side of things and trying to prepare and making sure you’ve got a clear mind,” Smith said on Thursday after the first day of play in the third Test against India in Mohali was washed out.
“I play my best cricket when my mind’s clear. I don’t have too much thought running through it about pre-meditating or doing different things.
“That was the main thing I got out of it. Just trying to have a clear mind and play each ball on its merits.”
Smith has mixed memories of being on the field for the tense final moments of Australia’s one-wicket loss in the Mohali Test of 2010.
“It was a little bit different last time I was here, coming on as 12th man and I threw four overthrows at the end of the game to end up losing the match,” he grinned.
“It’s a little bit more exciting being part of this game.”
Smith, who made his debut against Pakistan in 2010 as a frontline legspinner, sees himself more as a batsman.
Picked to bat at No.5, Smith is confident he can play a key role in Australia’s reshuffled batting order.
“I’ve improved a lot (in) the last 12 to 18 months,” Smith said.
“I’ve changed a couple of things with my technique that have made me a bit more stable at the crease, a bit more balanced and more selective as well.
“I feel like I’m tightening my technique up quite a bit and I feel as if I’ve been playing spin really well on this trip in the nets.”