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

Ab de Villiers has claimed that the wicket of Steve Smith will be the most important one during the clash between Australia and South Africa on October 12 in Lucknow.

Both teams have made contrasting starts to their World Cup campaign, with the Proteas securing a win over Sri Lanka in a run fest while the Aussies lost their match to India in Chennai.

Smith was the highest run-getter for Australia in the loss to India, and the star batter has a good record against South Africa. In the 21 matches he has played against the Proteas, Smith has scored 684 runs at an average of over 40. He has two centuries to his name against them.

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Writing on ICC’s website, De Villiers said that while the Aussies will be low on confidence after their loss to India, a wounder Australian unit is a dangerous one and early wickets would be key. The former South African skipper said that Smith would be the most important wicket in the clash as he is the one who holds everything together for Australia.

“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,” said De Villiers.

De Villiers said while the focus has been on the batters, the bowlers would need to step up if South Africa want to be seen as contenders. The former cricketer said he had a conversation with Kagiso Rabada and the pacer is determined to step up to the plate.

“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.”