Ashes 2023: Steve Smith hits back at Stuart Broad’s ‘void’ Ashes; Calls his claims ‘a little odd’
Having starred with the bat in the 2019 Ashes in England, scoring 774 runs at 110.57, Steve Smith is back on these shores and preparing to play his first County Championship match for Sussex at Worcestershire starting on Thursday.
With another Ashes series to start in five weeks’ time, Smith’s three-match stint with Sussex has drawn a lot of ire from many involved in English cricket.
To that end, Smith appeared at another press conference on Tuesday. The fact that the Long Room in the Pavilion at Hove was packed told of the anticipation ahead of a summer that will see Australia aim to win their first away Ashes series for 22 years against an England team revitalized by the Bazball approach.
Indeed, Smith was at pains to point out he will not change his style of play this summer, even if Stuart Broad last week admitted he hoped Australia would get sucked into Bazball. “I’d love Smith to dance down the track and sky one to mid-off early doors – that would be classic,” said Broad.
“Probably play just my game,” Smith said in response. “I don’t think I’ll go into anything too rash.”
Ashes 2023: Steve Smith hits back at Stuart Broad’s void series remark over 4-0 drubbing in Australia
Australia vice-captain Steve Smith further mentioned that he didn’t like Stuart Broad’s remark that the previous Ashes series was void because it was contested under Covid-19 restrictions. Smith said the world was going through a tough phase, not just the visiting England team.
England were beaten 0-4 in a one-sided series that saw a couple of players missing the games after testing positive for Covid-19.
Broad said he wouldn’t consider the 2021-22 Ashes series as the real ad said he was considering it void.
“What he is saying is odd,” said Smith.
Smith is in England to play for Sussex in County Championships Division 2 to prepare for the Ashes. “He is a nice guy, who loves to throw out some good banter,” he added.
“The entire world was living under tough conditions and we were lucky to do what we have always loved. I don’t have more to add to it,” he concluded.
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