After crushing Pakistan, Smith warns side for 'extremely difficult' India Tour

Sydney[Australia], Jan. 7 (ANI): After thrashing Pakistan in the three-match Test series, Australian skipper Steve Smith has now shifted his focus on the much anticipated India tour, saying it's going to be "extremely difficult" one and his team would have to play incredibly well to compete with the No. 1 ranked Test side. Australia completed a series sweep over Pakistan with a 220-run win in the third Test in Sydney on Saturday. Pakistan were bowled out for 244, shortly before tea on the final day, falling well short of the target of 465. Speaking to reporters after the match, Smith said, "The core of this group will take part in India. A few of us have been there before. We know it's extremely difficult to play in their own backyard. They are very good team." "Obviously few people would be added to the squad. It will be an extended squad. We will have to play incredibly well over there if we have to compete with India. Guys also have the inexperience which is gonna be a tough one," he added. The Australian skipper further insisted that playing on Indian wickets would be completely different to that of playing in Australian pitches. "Playing in those wickets is nothing like playing on wickets here in Australia. So, guys would have to adapt quickly and find a way to be successful in those conditions," he said. Australia had won by 39 runs at the Gabba and an innings and 18 runs in Melbourne to clinch the three-match series. The home side consolidated its second place in the ICC Test rankings, while Pakistan slipped to fifth. It was Pakistan's 12th straight defeat in Australia since its last Test win in Sydney in November 1995. Australia tours India next month for a four-Test series beginning February 21, while Pakistan will go to the West Indies for a four-match series in April. (ANI)