World Cup 2023: Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important one in SA vs AUS clash, says AB de Villiers

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers reckons Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important one for the Proteas in their second World Cup 2023 match against Australia, which will be played at Lucknow on Thursday. Smith scored 46 runs in the opening clash against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.

The talisman was dismissed by a peach of a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. In fact, it is always a difficult task to get rid of Smith when he has got settled at the crease but Jadeja was able to bamboozle the batter.

Smith recently scored 115 runs in a three-match ODI series against India and he is once again going to hold the key for Australia in a big clash against the Proteas.

In the 21 matches he has played against the Proteas, Smith has scored 684 runs at an average of over 40, including two centuries.

“The Aussies will be low on confidence after defeat to India, but a wounded Australia team is very dangerous. It will be crucial to pick up some early wickets to keep that pressure on, something we have not done too well recently.”

“It might sound obvious, but Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important. He holds everything together for Australia and if we can get him out early, I am confident we can get the job done,” wrote De Villiers on ICC website.

The former RCB batter reckons South Africa will have to deliver the goods with the ball in the absence of gun fast bowler Anrich Nortje and wants Kagiso Rabada to lead the pack.

“All the focus has been on the batters, but this is a huge test for the bowling attack if South Africa want to be seen as real contenders, especially without Anrich Nortje – no one knows how to get it done at World Cups like Australia.”

“The loss of Nortje to injury is a real blow and means there is extra pressure on Kagiso Rabada to lead the attack. I spoke to him last week and he is determined to step up to the plate and lead by example as one of the best bowlers in the world.”

South Africa won their opening match against Sri Lanka by a huge margin of 102 runs and they would aim to continue the winning impetus.