Smith might be a bit more aggressive during 4th Test: McGrath

Fast bowling great Glenn McGrath feels Australia captain Steven Smith's delayed declaration in the drawn third Test against India was a one-off call and he expects the young leader to continue the team's tradition of playing "hard" in the coming days.

"We've been spoilt here in Australia with the attacking brand of cricket we play," former Australia pacer McGrath was quoted as saying by website news.com.au.

The 25-year-old Smith, in his second Test as captain, chose to bat until lunch on day five of the Boxing Day Test, setting India an improbable 384 off 71 overs. India could only reach 174 for six by stumps and Australia could have pressed harder for the win had Smith declared earlier.

"I look at the declaration on that last day, to get a series win is still something pretty big. We shouldn’t lose sight of that. It was a very flat wicket," said McGrath.

"But if there's a similar situation in this match (the upcoming Sydney Test), you'll see Steve go a little bit harder," added the once leader of the Australian pace bowling attack. The Sydney Test starts on Tuesday.

Image: Steven Smith during practice session

Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images