Veteran England fast-bowler James Anderson has praised former Australia captain Steve Smith, saying that he has done well against them recently as well. However, England and Australia are all set to lock horns in the 2023 Ashes series, starting June 16. While speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Anderson said Smith has had a lot of success against England as well. Smith is the fifth-highest scorer in Ashes history, smashing 3,044 runs in 32 matches as well.

He further said that England has done brilliantly in the last one year, adding that the batters are just concentrating on their strengths. The England Test team has been transformed under new coach Brendan McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes, opting for an aggressive style of cricket.

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“I never really like singling anyone out, but Smith has had a lot of success against us in recent times. Maybe in the past we’ve actually gone overboard in thinking of ways to get people out,” said James Anderson. “What we’ve done brilliantly in the last 12 months is thinking about what we do well. That’s worked particularly well for the batters not worrying about who’s bowling at them, and just really concentrating on their strengths and the areas they can score in.”

While speaking about Australia’s fast-bowling unit, Anderson added that they can rotate their pacers very well as Australia have Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as well.

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“Australia have done it very well in the past, rotating their quicks. Even now Pat’s captain, with Steve Smith being able to take over the captaincy, I think he’ll still look after his body as much as possible. I’m trying to be realistic. I can’t imagine I get through all five Tests if they are as grueling as I know Ashes cricket can be. But I’ll prepare for the first Test and whatever happens after that happens, and hopefully I can play a big part,” James Anderson concluded.