IND vs AUS 2023: If you win in India it is bigger than an Ashes series – Steve Smith

Australia’s talisman batter Steve Smith believes winning a Test series in India is bigger than winning an Ashes series. The Aussies haven’t savored success in the tough Indian conditions in the last 19 years and they will be looking to turn the tables in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Smith, who has all the experience under his belt, will hold the key for the tourists in the four-match Test series. Meanwhile, India has had their wood on Australia in the recent Test series as they had won in 2018-19 and 2020-21 on their tour Downunder.

It is also well known that India is a force to reckon with in their own conditions and there won’t be any easy pitches for the visitors.

“It’s a difficult place to win a Test match let alone a series. So, if we are able to do that, it would be huge. I think if you win in India it is bigger than an Ashes series,” Smith said on cricket.com.au.

On the other hand, Australian opener David Warner admitted that winning in India will be a tough challenge for them.

“Being a part of the last Ashes was fantastic but to go to India and beat India in India is the toughest challenge in Test cricket for us.

“I’m looking forward to the tour, it’s always a hard graft. One thing that I’m looking forward to is applying myself against the best spinners in the world,” Warner added.

Pacer Josh Hazlewood said: “Probably been a long since Australia won there or less frequently they have won. In world cricket that’s everyone’s goal- to try and win in India.

Australian captain Pat Cummins also feels winning a Test series in India is akin to winning an away Ashes series.

“Winning a series in India is like an Ashes away series but even rare. It will be a career highlight, era-defining series if we win out there,” Cummins added.

The first Test match will be played in Nagpur on February 9.