WTC Final 2023: Steve Smith feels spin will be a threat at The Oval?

We are just one week away from the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final that takes place between Australia and India at The Oval in London, England.

This is Australia's first appearance in a WTC final, while India are playing their second straight final and will hope to right the wrongs after being defeated by Australia's neighbours New Zealand in 2021.

All eyes on the likes of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill from the Indian team, coming off a very good IPL campaign.

As for Australia, the biggest threat to India will certainly be Steve Smith, arguably the best player in Test cricket in the last decade.

MORE: Bet on cricket and other sports in India here

What did Steve Smith say about the potential spin threat ahead of the WTC final?

Speaking to cricket.com.au ahead of the WTC final, Steve Smith talked about how the surface might play as the game progresses, perhaps keeping in mind the inclusion of both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, India's frontline spinners, in the playing XI.

"The Oval can present itself with some spin occasionally, particularly as the game wears on so we could face some sort of similarities to what we had in India at certain stages of the game."

Smith also shared his personal thoughts about The Oval.

"But The Oval is a wonderful place to play cricket in. Lightning fast outfield, the square goes whole way across the ground so it is a nice place to bat when you get in and has some decent pace and bounce for an English surface. Should be an absolute cracker."

How has Steve Smith performed against India in Tests?

Smith has played 18 Tests against India, the second-most against any nation after England (32). He has enjoyed batting against India, scoring eight centuries and averaging over 65.