Ashes 2021-22: Steve Smith Hails Mitchell Starc as One of the Best, Ahead of 1st Test Against England at the Gabba | Earth Indian

Brisbane, Dec 5: The heated Ashes rivalry between England and Australia is set to commence from the 8th of December with the 1st Test taking place at the Gabba, Brisbane Cricket Ground. Former Australia captain and currently the vice-captain, Steve Smith has backed the selection of Travis Head and Mitchell Starc for the upcoming Ashes series.

Smith was in praise of Starc and asserted that when the left-arm pacer get the ball to swing late with some proper pace, he’s right up there among one of the best in the world.

“He was bowling with some proper pace and swinging the ball late. And we know when he does that he’s, if not the best in the world, he’s up there with it,” said Smith.

All-rounder Cam Green will further bolster the pace attack and he’s looking forward to learning from his more experienced team-mates.

“As a young guy coming into the team it’s actually a really good time, got a lot of experience around you to help you out, so I’m looking forward to it,” said Green.

3️⃣ more sleeps! 🇦🇺 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/OCV56vcAfT

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 5, 2021

Final match practice ✅

🔜 The Ashes at the Gabba pic.twitter.com/jkbShjlLHY

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 3, 2021

Meanwhile Ollie Pope explained that England had developed great cohesion after being together as a group for a long time, while his team-mate Mark Wood warned that Australia “will be ready, believe you me”, as England aim to win the Ashes on Australian soil for the first time since 2011.

(With Inputs From PTI)

By Shivam Urkude || Earth Indian