Smith defends Hauritz’s disappointing performance in India tour

MARGAO - Australian leg-spinner Steve Smith has defended fellow spinner Nathan Hauritz following his disappointing returns in the ongoing tour of India, saying that India is an extremely difficult place to bowl spin.

Hauritz was ineffective against Indian batsmen in the Tests, averaging 65 for his six wickets. He also went wicketless in Australia’s five-wicket defeat in the second ODI in Visakhapatnam.

“I don’t think he has bowled as bad as the media say. I think he has bowled well. It is tough to bowl in these conditions,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Smith, as saying.

“Nathan’s doing well, it is tough bowling to their batting line-up on their wickets,” he added.

The 21-year-old also played down suggestions that he would be included in the Test squad as the No.1 spinner for the Ashes series.

“Nathan has been bowling well. If I do get an opportunity I feel ready, I just have to wait for my chance,” Smith said. (ANI)