AUSTRALIA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND , 2016

We can go after Mark Craig: Smith

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

"I think he (Craig) is certainly someone we can look to go after," said Smith. © Cricbuzz

Steven Smith has backed his batsmen to once again take on Mark Craig, the off-spinner, in the first Test against New Zealand that begins on Friday (February 12). Craig had a torrid time against the same opposition in the series back in Australia a few months ago.

He had conceded more than 500 runs at an average of 64 in the series. "The boys played him really well back in Australia," said Steve Smith."If the wicket is nipping around a bit when the spinner comes on, I think he is certainly someone we can look to go after.But we'll just have to sum that up as the game goes on.

"The conditions are a little bit different here. The wicket has a little bit of grass on it, so it could potentially take a little bit of spin."

Another player who will be under some pressure to deliver in the first Test would be Australia's Mitchell Marsh, who has been in scintillating form in limited-overs cricket but is yet to stamp his authority in the longest format. The all-rounder replaced Shane Watson in the Test line-up during the Ashes but has had poor returns with the bat.

"Obviously I didn't perform with the bat when I had an opportunity to do so," Marsh told AAP."To play an Ashes series and lose, it creates a fair bit of fire in your belly.It makes you want to perform much better and be around for the next Ashes, because hopefully we'll be able to get some sort of revenge back on England."

Marsh now wants to stick to his natural game in the long format as well and bat with a positive intent. "I'll admit I've gone into my shell in the past, which isn't the best way for me to bat," he said. "A lot of times pressure is perceived pressure or scoreboard pressure - regardless you've got to play your game.

"I've got to stay positive and look to hit the ball. I'm just finding out what works and doesn't work for me - both on and off the field. Gaining experience at this level is crucial."

© Cricbuzz

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