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The Ashes | 'Intrigued to See How England's BazBall Goes Against Australian Bowlers': Steven Smith

image-lio3e3ehSteven Smith slammed 121 on Day 2 of the WTC Final 2023 [Source: Twitter]

Steven Smith might be dishing out runs in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 against India at The Oval, but also has his eye set on the upcoming 'The Ashes 2023' series. The much-anticipated Ashes series between arch-rivals Australia and England will start on June 16, with the first Test being held at Edgbaston.

Speaking in the post-day presser, Smith, who scored 121 on Day 2, talked about how conditions at The Oval were quite similar to Australia. At stumps, India were 151 for 5, trailing Australia by a massive 318 runs, and still needing 118 to avoid follow-on.

However, England will post a different challenge as opposed to India, with their newfound BazBall approach, something that Smith feels the hosts might find difficult against Australia's bowling.

Here's what Smith said

“It's a nice place to play. I think in terms of English wickets it's probably as close to Australia as you get I suppose. I've enjoyed playing here and it was nice to score a few out here again. I mean, I think it'd be difficult on this kind of wicket that's up and down and seaming around - it's not easy to defend, let alone come out and swing. So, yeah, I think I said it initially when Bazball started that I'm intrigued to see how it goes against our bowlers. I've said that all along,”

England will be wary of Smith, as the batting genius in his last nine Tests in England, has amassed 1,038 with five centuries and eight fifties.

The former national skipper also stated that he has enjoyed seeing England play aggressive red-ball cricket in the past 12 months.