Steve Smith faces challenging phase: Clarke

Kolkata, September 19: Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke said Steve Smith is in the middle of a challenging phase as captain and he must define the way for Australia's comeback in the ongoing ODI series against India.

"Smith's batting has been outstanding for a long time but his captaincy is challenged now. He needs to define the way for his team to have success," Clarke said.

Having drawn the two-Test series in Bangladesh, Smith's captaincy is likely to be tested to the limit with Australia trailing 0-1 in the five-ODI series against India.

"It's high time that Australia make a comeback. I think this is the match that will decide the course of the series," he said of the second one-dayer at Eden Gardens on Thursday (September 21).

Talking about the Indian team, the cricketer-turned-commentator praised chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav.

"He is an attacking bowler. His control as a wrist spinner from the back of his hand is amazing and is his strength. He has got all the skills, spins both ways, bowls long spells. He did well in the Test series."

Dhoni is back in his prime and Clarke in a lighter vein said: "Don't ask me whether he will play in the 2019 World Cup. He will play in 2023."

Clarke said David Warner will be back amongst the runs.

"He got centuries in Bangladesh... It is hard to overlook him by seeing his performance in one game.

"He will find ways to score, he always does. He will have lot of impact in the series. He and Smith will be the leading scorers for Australia in the series. Hopefully, they start scoring from Kolkata."