Katich Backs Smith To Be Player Of The Series In Ashes

New South Wales: Former Australian opener Simon Katich is confident that Steve Smith will be Australias leading run-scorer and Player of the Series in the upcoming Ashes and said the 36-year-old has the experience to sabotage England's plans in the ultimate showdown, starting from November 21 in Perth. In 37 Tests against England Smith has made 3,417 runs with 12 centuries at an average of 56, and Katich believes he is capable of even more. Ive tipped that it will be Steve Smith, I think hes in for a big summer. I think England are going to have serious plans for him with their attack but I also think hes so experienced and so good in our conditions that he will find a way to get through that challenge, Katich said on SEN Breakfast. And I think he always gets himself up for the big Ashes (series). Hes had a good lead-in, he got a couple of 50s the other day at the SCG in a very low-scoring affair for New South Wales when they got bowled out for 120 in both innings. Hes the standout for me. I think hell be the player of the series, he added. As for Englands top scorer, Katich made a massive call in relation to Joe Root, who has 39 Test tons, including four against Australia, but has not reached triple figures on Australian soil. And I think he always gets himself up for the big Ashes (series). Hes had a good lead-in, he got a couple of 50s the other day at the SCG in a very low-scoring affair for New South Wales when they got bowled out for 120 in both innings. Hes the standout for me. I think hell be the player of the series, he added. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score I think its around the MCG and I dont reckon hes got anything on. I think everyone in Australia might be wanting to see that happen, but maybe theres some that dont as well, particularly his wife, said Katich. Article Source: IANS