The Ashes 2023: 5 Players to watch out for in first Test at Edgbaston

2. Steven Smith

Steve Smith has been in sensational form recently. Riding on his superb batting performance, Australia overpowered India comfortably in the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2023 at The Oval, London. In the massive achievement, Smith contributed 121 and 34 from his bat to help his team vanquish Rohit Sharma and Co.

The aggressive Aussie batter might become a headache for the English side in the upcoming tournament, as the veteran is capable enough to outclass their bowlers with his skills and temperament. In the 2019 Ashes, Smith dominated England bowlers and became the leading run-scorer in the tournament, with 774 runs in seven innings of four Tests. Smith’s overwhelming batting display from that series is still considered one of the best in his vast Test career.

Currently, the 34-year-old is the fifth-highest run-getter in the Ashes, with 3044 runs, including 11 tons and 11 fifties in 56 innings of 32 Tests. Based on his reputation, the visiting side will hope their stalwart to step up in the enormous event and deliver some match-winning batting performances.