Cricket

Steve Smith Hails Rohit Sharma as Opener in His World Test XI, Praises Aggressive StyleAustralian batting maestro Steve Smith has heaped praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, selecting him as the opener in his World Test XI. Smith lauded Sharma's aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers, making him a formidable force in the longest format of the game."He is so dangerous, takes the game on with the new ball," Smith said in an interview with Fox Cricket. "He plays his shots but also has solid defense when the situation demands it. He puts the bowler under a lot of pressure."Smith's comments come amidst India's recent Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. However, Sharma is set to lead India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth.The 18-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) includes several fresh faces but also has key omissions due to injury concerns. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will miss the tour due to knee and groin issues, respectively.Despite the setbacks, Smith believes Sharma has the leadership and batting skills to prove his faith and maintain India's dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."He's a world-class player, there's no doubt about that," Smith added. "He's been in great form for a long time now, and I'm sure he'll be looking to continue that in Australia."Sharma's aggressive style and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a nightmare for bowlers. He has a wide range of shots and can score runs at a rapid pace, putting pressure on the opposition from the outset.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon, Sharma will be eager to lead India to victory and prove his status as one of the world's best batsmen.