The last time Steven Smith was here some two-and-a-half year ago, his overthrow cost Australia the match by a wicket, and the all-rounder is now eager to make up for that act of indiscretion by "contributing" to the team that is going through one of its worst crises in recent years.
Trailing 0-2 against a buoyant India, Smith is to play in the series' third and penultimate Test, day one of which has been washed out due to a heavy downpour.
"It's a little bit different from the last time I was here, when I was involved in a few overthrows. This is another opportunity to come back to the squad and I want to contribute," Smith, who started out as a leg-spinner, told reporters here today.
Coming on as a substitute on the final day, a direct hit was all Australia needed from Smith to win the match and spoil the day for V V S Laxman, who saw India home with a defiant knock of 73.
Smith has a Test batting average of just 28.77 from five appearances, while a bowling average of 73.33 isn't that great either, but the cricketer believed he has improved overall in the last 12-18 months.
"I am excited to be in the playing XI this time, hope there is play tomorrow. We have been training very hard, getting into the nets and working on our skills.
"I have improved in the 12-18 months. I am bit more stable, balanced and more selective in my shot-making now. I want to go out there and have a crack in the middle. I have always been more of a batsman, (though the) first two Tests I played as a bowler. I have worked on my technique in the last two years," he said.
