Australian batting legend Steve Smith is gearing up for another Ashes showdown, confident that England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach will face a stern test on Australian soil later this year.
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Smith, who trails only Sir Don Bradman and Allan Border in Test runs against England, said he is excited about the contest but doubts whether England’s fearless style will translate smoothly to Australian conditions. “Coming down to Australia, particularly for their batters, it’s going to be a big challenge,” Smith said in an interview with Sky Sports. “The pitches here have been quite difficult in recent years, and we’ve got a very experienced bowling line-up that’s had long-term success.”
He praised England’s performances against India but emphasized the task ahead. “I watched a lot of that series and it was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. The cricket played was outstanding. But in Australia, it’s a different ball game,” he said.
Smith also reserved special words for Joe Root, who recently became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting. “Over the past couple of years, he’s been incredible. He used to get stuck between 50 and 100, but now he’s consistently converting. Although, he hasn’t scored a hundred in Australia yet — and I’m sure that’s something he’ll want to achieve,” Smith remarked.
Asked whether Australia would lean on old-school sledging against Root in the Ashes, Smith insisted the team’s focus remains on execution. “The way we’ve approached our cricket in recent years is to let our skills do the talking. We’ve been consistent, playing in two consecutive World Test Championship finals. We’re doing a lot right.”
Beyond the Ashes, Smith has his sights on another milestone — representing Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return after more than a century. “I’ve watched a lot of Olympics since I was a kid and always loved seeing Australian athletes compete,” he said. “When I heard cricket was being included, I thought it would be really cool to be part of it. Representing your country on the Olympic stage would be an incredible honour.”
For now, though, Smith’s focus is firmly on the Ashes — a rivalry he has dominated for over a decade, and one he believes could be more thrilling than ever.
