Veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith has issued a warning to England ahead of The Ashes 2025-26, saying batting on Australian pitches will be a tough challenge for Ben Stokes’ side. Steve Smith highlighted Australia’s experienced and successful bowling attack as a key threat.
The highly anticipated series, starting in November, will also serve as the second Test contest for both teams in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. Australia began the tournament strongly, sweeping the West Indies 3-0 in a three-match series.
England, meanwhile, recently drew 2-2 in a five-match home Test series against India, despite a strong start, with India staging a remarkable comeback in the final two games.
Steve Smith: Batting in Australia Will Be a Major Test for England
Steve Smith believes England will face a tough challenge batting on Australian soil. Speaking to Sky Sports, he praised England’s aggressive approach in their recent Test series against India but warned that Australia’s wickets and experienced bowling attack would test them.
“Their series against India was one of the best I’ve seen in years. They play aggressive cricket, but batting in Australia will be a big challenge. Our wickets are tricky, and we’ve got a successful, experienced bowling lineup,” Steve Smith said.
Steve Smith also highlighted Joe Root’s impressive form over the past two years. Root, who became the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, will be chasing his first Test century in Australia during the Ashes 2025-26.
“He’s been outstanding, converting 50s into big hundreds. He hasn’t scored a Test hundred in Australia yet – I’m sure he’ll be aiming for it, but we’ll let our skills do the talking. We know our conditions well and trust our game,” Steve Smith added.
England’s record in recent Ashes series in Australia has been poor, suffering 4-0 defeats in 2021-22 and 2017-18, and a 5-0 loss in 2013-14. Their last Ashes win Down Under was in 2010-11 (3-1). The 2023 Ashes in England ended in a 2-2 draw after five thrilling matches.
