Steve Smith hints at ‘Big Four’ pace attack for the Ashes

The terrifying prospect of the ‘Big Four’ fast bowlers being unleashed on England touring side this summer in Ashes is still open. Steve Smith, the Aussie skipper, confirmed today that he is open to the idea of playing all the fast bowlers as they have a decent ability to contribute with the bat as well.

Australia named their playing XI today ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Sunday. The team will play two Tests on this tour which is the only series they are scheduled to play before the prestigious Ashes. Though, Cricket Australia (CA) has scheduled few Sheffield Shield games before the mega event in November.

Steve Smith hinted at the possible bowling attack for the first Ashes Test at Gabba on November 23 and has started playing mind games. “The combined batting ability of quicks Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson could see those three feature alongside Josh Hazlewood and spinner Nathan Lyon in a fearsome five-man attack at the Gabba on November 23,” the right handed batsman said.

Smith happy about bowlers contributing with the bat

The skipper was also happy about the prospect that the likes of Starc, Cummins and Pattinson have the ability to contribute decently with the bat. “I guess it’s nice that all the fast bowlers – probably take Josh out of it – Starc, Cummins and Pattinson all bat pretty well,” Smith told reporters in Dhaka.

“So I won’t say that we’ll do it but there’s a possibility that it could certainly happen, that you could play all four and Nathan Lyon. (That) probably leaves the batting a little bit light, but those guys do hold the bat pretty well. So it’s something to certainly think about,” the 28-year-old expressed.

Mitchell Starc now has 9 half centuries and a Test 99 to his name which he hit against India in 2013 while Pattinson averages around 40 in first-class cricket. Even Pat Cummins is no mug with the bat as he batted at no.6 many times during Big Bash League for Sydney Thunders last season.