Media365
Ahead of the much-awaited Ashes series between Australia and England, veteran batter Steve Smith responded with humour to Stuart Broad’s recent comments, saying with a smile that it might indeed be their “worst team since 2010.” “It’s our worst team, obviously, since 2010, that’s the mail anyway,” Smith laughed, referring to the former England pacer’s remarks, as quoted by Fox Cricket. The Ashes series is set to begin on November 21 at Perth Stadium, and as the familiar pre-series banter returned, Smith seemed unbothered by the verbal ‘attacks’. “There’s obviously been the back and forth and plenty of banter, which I don’t like to really get involved in,” he said, choosing to keep his focus on the cricket rather than the chatter. Broad, speaking on his “For The Love Of Cricket” podcast, had recently claimed that this is “the worst Australian team since 2010,” while describing the current England squad as “the best England team since 2010,” a reference to England’s last Ashes triumph on Australian soil during the 2010–11 series. Smith, however, took a broader view of both teams’ recent form. “It’s going to be a wonderful series. I think England are a really good side at the moment,” he said. He also highlighted Australia’s consistency over the past few years, highlighting their performance in major Test events. “We’ve been a really good side over the last three or four years in particular, making two Test Championship finals,” Smith added.
Poll
Who do you think will win the upcoming Ashes series?
With both teams gearing up for another chapter in one of cricket’s oldest rivalries, Smith’s calm and composed response summed up Australia’s mindset heading into Perth. “It’s going to be exciting. Can’t wait,” he said, sending a strong message ahead of the series.
