'Steve Smith an Unsolved Puzzle…': Nasser Hussain Heaps Praise on Batter Ahead of Ashes 2023
Smith scored a century against India in the WTC Final [AP Photos]
Nasser Hussain has showered huge praise on Australian batter Steve Smith ahead of the 2023 Ashes in England. The cricketer-turned-commentator described Smith as an “unsolved puzzle”, who would likely pose yet another formidable challenge for the English bowlers this season.
Following a silent Ashes back home last year, the former Australian captain has roared back into form with centuries against Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa. Most recently, he unfurled a match-winning ton against India in the WTC Final.
Nasser Hussain expresses admiration for Steve Smith
In a bid to prepare for the WTC 2023 final and the subsequent Ashes against England, Steve Smith played three County Championship matches for Sussex last month.
Former England captain acknowledged the repetitive manner of Smith’s dismissals in County, and praised the Australian for overcoming the same with a sublime knock against India next up. The commentator later described the 34-year-old as an enigma that is yet to be solved by bowlers all over the world. He said:
“Nothing’s changed, as we saw in the first innings at the Oval against India. Just because he was leg before three times in county cricket doesn’t mean suddenly he’s a walking lbw. England — and all sides — have bowled one way then another at him and he just makes hundreds. It is still the puzzle everyone is trying to solve, that’s why his stats are phenomenal.”
Smith already boasts incredible stats in English conditions, having scored his runs at an average of 60.71 with seven centuries to his name.
Moreover, the batting legend also top-scored in the previous Ashes in England, defying the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer by belting 774 runs across four matches.
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