InMobi

Smith the latest in Lions' Aussie problem

Gujarat pinning their hopes to return of Jadeja to stem the runs - and take some wickets - after disastrous start to IPL10

Gujarat Lions will be hoping they have the answer to Steve Smith – and Australians in general – when they take on Rising Pune Supergiant in Friday night's IPL double-header.

The Lions sit at the foot of the IPL ladder as the only winless team in the early stages of this year's tournament, having been thrashed by Kolkata Knight Riders by 10 wickets and then dealt similar treatment by Sunrisers Hyderabad two days later, losing by nine wickets.

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On both occasions it has been Australians who have done the majority of the damage with the bat: Chris Lynn hammered an unbeaten 93no to make a total of 183 look frighteningly inadequate; and David Warner (76no) and Moises Henriques (52no) took Sunrisers to their target of 136 with little difficulty.

All told, Gujarat's bowlers have toiled against Australian players so far this tournament for a return of 0-221 from 20.5 overs.

Next in the way of the Aussie contingent for the Lions is Smith, who missed RPS's last match with a stomach back but carried on his stunning international form in the season opener, with a match-winning 84 not out.

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However, Gujarat have an ace of their own up their sleeve, with the return to their ranks of India spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who has recovered from a finger injury.

Jadeja, the world's No.1 Test bowler, took Smith's wicket three times in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar series, including the only time the Australia captain has been dismissed for single figures (eight) in his past 18 Test innings.

In the IPL, Jadeja continues his impressive record against the brilliant right-hander; in 39 balls, Smith has managed just two fours and 34 runs, losing his wicket four times – twice as often as to any other bowler.

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"He (Jadeja) is a quality player," RPS captain Smith said of Jadeja in the build-up to tonight's clash.

"He has been good in IPL and his inclusion would strengthen Gujarat Lion's batting and bowling."

Smith dismissed questions surrounding the form of Indian legend MS Dhoni, who has returned scores of 12no, five and 11 in three innings to date to come under fire from some sections of the Indian media as well as former players.

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"I am not bothered about his (Dhoni's) form," he said. "He is a class player, and we have just played three games, so he will be fine in the tournament."

While the threat of Jadeja looms large, Pune boast a world-class spinner of their own in Imran Tahir, who has already claimed six wickets in his 12 overs in IPL10, with a miserly economy rate of 6.75.

"He has been good with his economy and taking wickets, which is important for us," Smith added. "He is the number one bowler in the world in T20, he has good tricks in bowling, he knows his game very well.

"He has been a key player for us so far and will remain so in the remaining matches."