I’m ready for England’s hostile reception in Ashes: Steve Smith

Earlier this year in March, Australian cricketer Steve Smith was handed a two-year suspension after he was found guilty in the infamous ball-tampering scandal at Newlands in Cape Town. Thereafter, the talented batsman has played the Global T20 in Canada followed by the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), representing Barbados Tridents, captained by Windies captain Jason Holder.

His ban ends on March and hence, the tainted batter is expected to make the cut for next year’s World Cup in England and Wales. After the mega-tournament, Australia are scheduled to play the Ashes in England, which is scheduled to get underway with the opening Test at Edgbaston on August 1.

I’m ready for that

The iconic Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford, and Kennington Oval are the venues for the rest of the Test series. In the meantime, Smith didn’t mince any words in mentioning that he is ready to counter the hostile reception from the English crowd if and when he plays the high-profile series.

“I’m just moving forward day to day, and doing what I need to do to prepare to hopefully get another opportunity to play for Australia. And if that’s World Cup and Ashes, so be it. And no doubt the English crowd will be incredibly hostile. I’m ready for that, if that happens,” the 29-year-old from New South Wales was quoted as saying to the reporters.

Smith had a wonderful time during the 2017-18 edition of the Ashes, which was played in Australia. The right-hander was the leading run-scorer of the series with 687 runs from five matches at an average of 137.40. He racked up three centuries and a couple of half-centuries. His career best of 239 came in Perth.

Smith also sounded proud about how Australia managed to beat India in the second Test at the new Perth Stadium by 146 runs after getting thrashed at Adelaide Oval by 31 runs. Moreover, he also lauded wicketkeeper Tim Paine’s exceptional leadership since he took over captaincy midway through the Cape Town Test.

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