Smith feels sub-continent tour will be challenging

Former Australia captain Steve Smith feels Test tours of the subcontinent will be a big challenge for his team during the next World Test Championship between August 2021 and June 2023. Australia are scheduled to play 18 Tests in a two-year window, eight of which will be against Pakistan and Sri Lanka next year and then a tour of India in early 2023.

“I took a look at the Future Tours Program (FTP) and it’s very busy,” Smith said. So there is much to look forward to. Obviously the Ashes and then the tour of the subcontinent, especially in Test cricket, challenges you physically, mentally and emotionally.
The last time Australia won a Test series in Asia was in 2011 against Sri Lanka (1-0). Since then, they have been unable to secure a series and have won only two Tests out of 17 in the subcontinent.

Smith spoke positively about the World Test Championship concept and regretted missing out on the inaugural final in Southampton. Australia missed out on a place in the WTC final after being two overs behind in the second Test against India in Melbourne in December last year.

I think (WTC) a very cool concept – to have more relevance in every game you play, I think it’s great.