My captaincy not under threat: Smith

Aussie skipper insists his position is safe

KOLKATA: Skipper Steve Smith on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that his captaincy was under threat after a string of disappointing performances by the once all-conquering Australian side.

Smith's men were recently tested in a two-match Test series against low-ranked Bangladesh that ended 1-1, after going down 2-1 to India in March.

Their form in the 50-over-game also seems to have taken a sharp dip, with the team failing to make it to the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in England early this year.

And currently the team is looking to level the five-ODI series after losing the opener to India on Sunday despite a flying start.

Former captain Michael Clarke on Tuesday said Smith's captaincy was under the scanner although his batting had been outstanding all through.

"I don't think so. I'm not in a bad place with my captaincy," said Smith.

"Obviously results haven't been the way we would have liked," he said ahead of the second match in Kolkata on Thursday. "It was a disappointing start to the series the other day [but] we've got the other game tomorrow to turn things around."

Australia had India reeling at 87-5 in Chennai before Hardik Pandya struck back with a blazing fifty. The spinners then ensured an easy win for the hosts in the rain-hit tie.

The tourists finished at 137-9 in 21 overs while chasing a revised target of 164.

"Obviously, the other day it was more like a T20 game for us, especially while we were batting," said Smith. "If we had 50 overs, the guys would have played with the right tempo."