Australian pitches will provide a different challenge for England’s batters in this winter’s Ashes, says Steve Smith.<\/b><\/p>\n
The first Ashes Test begins in Perth on 21 November, a highly-anticipated series after the thrilling draw in 2023, with England looking to regain the urn for the first time since 2015. <\/p>\n
Former captain Smith, who is representing Welsh Fire in this year’s Hundred, averages 56.01 in Tests against England but is expecting a tougher challenge for batters this time around.<\/p>\n
“Their batters are going to be challenged a little bit differently to the wickets they have had over in England for a while, which have looked pretty flat and good for batting,” Smith told BBC Sport. <\/p>\n
“The wickets in Australia in the last three or four years have been very tricky for top order batters. It is going to be a good challenge for them.<\/p>\n
“But it’s going to be a wonderful series. I have been watching the India and England series and there has been some great cricket played there, so I think the Ashes this year is going to be an absolute belter.”<\/p>\n
Smith, 36, also said the respective pace attacks were the strength for both teams. Australia’s top order struggled in the recent series against West Indies on bowler-friendly surfaces where the highest team total was 286 across three Tests. <\/p>\n