Having grabbed eyeballs with his sensational innings against India in the fourth ODI, Australia’s Ashton Turner is looking forward to learning from compatriot Steve Smith in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Turner smashed an unbeaten 84 off just 43 deliveries in only his second ODI to help Australia chase down a record 359 at Mohali.
Having turned into an overnight sensation with that explosive knock, Turner is now hoping to make the most of his time with Smith when he undertakes his maiden IPL stint later this month.
Turner was largely an unheralded name when he was picked up in the IPL auction and will be team-mates with compatriot Smith at Rajasthan Royals. The all-rounder admitted to being starstruck by the former Australia skipper and is hoping to make the most of the opportunity of playing alongside him.
“I’ve met him (Smith) a few times – a few text messages recently,” Turner was quoted as saying by Fox Sports Australia.
“Every encounter I’ve had with him, he’s been really good to me. So many of the guys have talked about how valuable he is as a teammate and how much they learn from him.
Steve Smith’s one-year ban ends later this month.
“I can’t wait. I’ll be trying to bat in his net as much as I can.”
Turner and Australia will take on India in the final ODI at New Delhi on Wednesday before departing for the UAE for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Smith and David Warner have not been included in the squad for the Pakistan clashes but will travel with the team to the UAE as part of their reintegration process.
With the IPL set to get under way on March 23, Turner will be shadowing Smith for an extended time.
“He’s (Smith) a superstar. I still pinch myself when his name comes up on my phone,” he said.
“I’m sure he’s thinking about the IPL, so am I in the back of my mind, but we’ve got a really big game in Delhi then we go to the UAE for another big series.”
