Can Steve Smith Become the Player of the Series in the Ashes?
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Synopsis
As the Ashes series approaches, Simon Katich is convinced that Steve Smith will shine as Australia’s leading run-scorer and potentially win the Player of the Series title. With his extensive experience and recent performance, Smith is poised to tackle England's strategies head-on. Will he rise to the occasion?
Key Takeaways
- Simon Katich supports Steve Smith as a key player for Australia in the Ashes.
- Smith holds an impressive record against England with an average of 56.
- Katich believes Smith's experience will help counter England's strategies.
- Bold predictions about Joe Root's performance have been made.
- The Ashes series kicks off on November 21 in Perth.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Former Australian opener Simon Katich expresses strong confidence that Steve Smith will emerge as Australia’s top run-scorer and Player of the Series in the forthcoming Ashes series, commencing on November 21 in Perth. The seasoned 36-year-old batsman has the prowess to disrupt England's strategies during this crucial contest.
In his 37 Test matches against England, Smith has amassed 3,417 runs, featuring 12 centuries at an impressive average of 56. Katich is convinced that Smith can achieve even greater heights.
“I predict that it will be Steve Smith. I believe he’s in for a remarkable summer. While England will devise serious tactics against him, his vast experience and skill in our conditions will enable him to navigate those challenges effectively,” Katich commented on SEN Breakfast.
“He consistently raises his game for the significant Ashes series. Recently, he performed well with a couple of 50s at the SCG, despite the team being bowled out for just 120 in both innings. He stands out as my top pick for Player of the Series,” he added.
Regarding England’s leading scorer, Katich made a bold statement about Joe Root, who holds 39 Test centuries—including four against Australia—but has yet to score a century on Australian soil.
“That’s a challenging prediction; they have formidable players in their lineup. I’m betting that Root won’t secure a hundred here. I want to see Matty Hayden take that lap after making a bold statement,” Katich remarked.
“I believe it’s around the MCG, and I doubt he will achieve that. Many in Australia would love to see it happen, although perhaps some, especially his wife, might feel differently,” concluded Katich.
Point of View
I believe Simon Katich's insights reflect a deep understanding of the game. As we approach the Ashes, the focus on Steve Smith's potential impact is crucial. His experience could very well make a decisive difference in the series. Our coverage will remain objective, presenting facts while acknowledging the excitement surrounding this pivotal cricket event.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to be the Player of the Series?
Simon Katich favors Steve Smith due to his experience and past performance against England.
What are Smith's statistics against England?
Steve Smith has scored 3,417 runs with 12 centuries in 37 Tests against England.
What did Katich predict about Joe Root?
Katich predicted that Joe Root will not score a century in Australia, despite his impressive record.
