Steve Smith praised Australian national selectors for giving him the best bunch of players in the nation to win the prestigious Ashes.

“I thought they were really good selections. Painey has been mentioned as the best keeper in the country for a long period of time and the way he has kept has been exceptional. The way he has batted has been exceptional as well, we have had some very valuable runs from him at seven. Shaun Marsh as well, he’s come in and done a terrific job,” said Smith.

Selectors faced a big criticism after picking a rather surprising squad for the Ashes series. From nowhere, they recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who played his last Test in 2010. Also, they axed young rookie Matt Renshaw to brought inexperienced Cameron Bancroft. However, these all selection calls proved right as Australia regain the urn after just first three Ashes test.

Kangaroos won the Perth Test by an innings and 41 runs to squeeze England’s last hope for any fruitful contribution. Smith was happy with the bowling troika of Starc, Hazelwood and Cummins.

“We’ve worked really hard to ensure we had these three big quicks were on the park and ready for this series. A couple of them skipped the one-day series in India as we knew what was coming up, we were preparing for this series and we wanted the big three on the park to do what they’ve done the last three Test matches,” he added.

The fourth Test will take place on Boxing Day in Melbourne Cricket Ground.