“The scene is set for a revival” – Former Australia player backs Steve Smith to return to form after hat-trick of failures in BGT 2024-25 Test series

Former Australia player Kerry O’Keeffe has backed under-fire Steve Smith to deliver in the upcoming third Test in Brisbane after his three consecutive failures in the ongoing series against India. O'Keeffe pointed out that Smith enjoyed a decent outing against West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 91 in Brisbane earlier this year.

The 75-year-old labeled Smith a ‘champion’, adding how the former Aussie skipper has proven himself and shut down the critics in the past. He, however, pointed out that the right-hander has to deal with his shortcomings and tactics of the Indian bowlers.

Smith has returned with scores of 0, 17, and 2 so far in his three innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him twice, while Mohammed Siraj got him out once in the series.

Kerry O’Keeffe told Fox Sports:

“If Brisbane is typical Brisbane, he loves the ball coming onto the bat. He got 90-odd not out against the West Indies (in January) and he probably should have won that Test match for Australia carrying his bat. I think that ... the scene is set for a revival.”

He added:

"They have tactics against Steve that he has to combat. They’ve got him again down the leg side and there’ll be more of that in Brisbane.

“Steve’s a champion, but he’s in batting’s middle-age, and he’s a hand-eye coordinated player. He doesn’t hit to the same areas he used to hit to. But a number of critics have tried to write Steve Smith off from the past, and he’s come back at them strongly. I would expect that he’ll come back again.”

Steve Smith enjoys a stellar record in Brisbane

Steve Smith enjoys a stellar record in Brisbane, having amassed 821 runs in 10 Tests (17 innings) at an average of 54.73. The 35-year-old has smashed three tons, including 133 against India in 2014, and as many half-centuries at the venue. He smashed an unbeaten 91 off 146 balls in his last outing against West Indies in January earlier this year.

The five-game series is currently level 1-1. India won the opening game by 295 runs, while Australia registered a 10-wicket victory in the second match. The third Test will get underway on Saturday, December 14.