Steve Smith has cautioned that England to Face Tough Test vastly different and more demanding challenge on Australian pitches during this winter’s Ashes series, which kicks off in Perth on 21 November.

Following a dramatic 2023 series that ended in a memorable draw, anticipation is building as England aim to reclaim the Ashes urn for the first time since 2015. But Smith, who boasts an impressive Test average of 56.01 against England, believes conditions Down Under will test even the most seasoned top-order players.

“Their batters are going to be challenged a little bit differently to the wickets they’ve had over in England, which have looked pretty flat and good for batting,” Smith told BBC Sport. “Australian pitches over the last few years have been tricky, especially for the top order. It’s going to be a great challenge for them.”

Smith, currently turning out for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, praised both teams’ bowling units, noting that pace remains the standout weapon. Australia’s quicks—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland—recently dismantled the West Indies for just 27 runs in a dominant display that didn’t even require captain Pat Cummins to bowl.

Despite murmurs about Australia’s pace trio nearing the end of their careers, Smith dismissed the concern, highlighting their recent performance as evidence they still have plenty to offer.

He also pointed out a noticeable shift in England to Face Tough Test approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. While 2023 saw a heavy emphasis on aggressive, entertaining cricket, Smith believes England to Face a Tough Test, leaning more towards situational awareness and results.

“They’ve started playing the game differently—more about winning than entertaining, which is perhaps a change from what they’d previously said,” he noted.

Eye on Olympic Gold

Off the field, Smith has personal ambitions tied to the growing profile of franchise cricket. Having finally joined Welsh Fire after missing the inaugural edition of The Hundred due to the pandemic, the 36-year-old sees the tournament as part of a bigger plan.

Smith has stepped away from one-day internationals to focus on shorter formats, with one major goal in mind: representing Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket returns to the Games for the first time in over a century.

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“It’s on my bucket list,” said Smith. “Playing in more T20 franchises around the world is part of that goal. I’m still enjoying the game, especially the shorter formats, and I want to keep pushing for opportunities.”

The Hundred begins on 5 August with a London derby between the Spirit and the Invincibles. Welsh Fire will open their campaign against Northern Superchargers on 7 August.