Steve Smith says his focus has been on fast feet in the Test series against India.
The 23-year-old was recalled for his first Test since 2011 in last week’s third Test in Mohali, scoring 92 and five.
In difficult conditions on a turning pitch in Delhi on Friday, the NSW right-hander gave another fine performance with a knock of 46 including three fours and two sixes in two-and-a-half hours.
Smith added 53 for the ninth wicket with Peter Siddle (47 not out) after Australia had been 7-136. The tourists will resume on Saturday’s second day of play on 8-231.
His average of 47.66 is Australia’s equal-best in the series alongside Michael Clarke’s.
“I’ve had a lot of time in the nets the first two Tests,” Smith said.
“For me it was about finding a way to first of all survive and then score runs.
“It’s about having fast feet, trying to get down the wicket and taking advantage of the fields they’ve set when I first come in as well.
“It’s fast feet forward and back and watching the ball as hard as I can and trying to play with the spin as much as possible.”
The former Test leggie now sees himself more as a batsman. However that may change over the next four days.
“I’ve been told I could play a big part in this game, particularly with the way it (the pitch) has broken up already,” said Smith, who has taken 1-63 in the series.
“Even if I don’t bowl as many consistent balls as I’d like, those good balls are still a chance of taking wickets if I get them in the right spot.”
While Smith’s footwork has been a stand-out, he says Siddle’s secret has been more basic.
“He came in and he played very straight,” Smith said.
“He was playing the line of the ball and if one spun it would do too much for him to hit it.
“He played the line and had the full face of the bat.
“He’s showed us how to play against the quality spin over here.”
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