Test great Michael Vaughan slams suggestions of a Steve Smith form slump
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has hit back at suggestions that Steve Smith is in a form slump, despite a rare pair of low scores in Australia's sweep of Pakistan.
Smith was only required twice in the two Tests, and registered scores of just four and 36 as David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne dominated Pakistan's bowling attack.
However, while Smith's output was a far cry from his dominance during the 2019 Ashes series, Vaughan said the former skipper was nowhere near a form slump.
"I wouldn't say (he had) a lean run. He got 30 odd in Adelaide where, I wouldn't be concerned about that," Vaughan told Fox Sports.
Smith is dismissed for just four runs in the opening Test of the summer by leg spinner Yasir Shah Getty
"The two times he came out to bat the Aussies were 300 and plenty … great players generally get runs when it really counts.
"I'm not so sure those two times he batted against Pakistan there was a great deal on the game.
"I would expect him to get runs this series, and I'm pretty sure he will get in a lot earlier than he did against Pakistan.
"Generally when great players get the opportunity and the team needs them, as we saw in the Ashes, he will step up.
While Warner (L) and Labuschagne (C) it was a quiet series in comparison for Smith Getty
"Expect a big three games from him."
While Smith admitted that he wasn't "too disappointed" with his output in the Pakistan series, he said a lack of concentration lead to his downfall.
"I wasn't under much pressure and I was able to relax. And when I came in we were well in control and there was no real pressure.
"I'm not really too fazed by my performances as such. I'm hitting the ball well and comfortable with where my game is at."
