Ashes 2019: Steve Smith says England’s tactics played into his hands at Old Trafford

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From Jack Skelton
BBC Sport in Old Trafford
Australia batsman Steve Smith claims after his double century gave his side control of the fourth Ashes Test, the strategies of England played into his hands.
Smith hit on a 211 at Old Trafford in his innings back after missing the Test due to concussion.
The vacationers announced on 497-8, using England reaching 23-1 at the end.
“I’ve faced plenty short-pitched bowling in my entire life and haven’t had many issues with this,” explained Smith.
“For England to become bowling up at my head daily two means they can not get me lbw or caught behind.
“It softens up the ball as well so that it played into our hands and also allowed us to score some big first innings runs”
After being attacked by a Jofra Archer bouncer at the second Test at Lord 23, smith lasted a concussion.
He explained that although Lord’s was a tough wicket to face short, speedy bowling on, exactly the same approach with this pitch at Old Trafford”played in our favour”.
“When Stuart Broad came on with the second new ball, he uttered some really nice lengths and beat my bat onto the exterior a few occasions,” Smith added.
“He had been rather challenging when he struck that span but for them to move as brief as they did early as they did with the new ball played into our hands.”
After hammering on 60, before he was dismissed off a Jack Leach no-ball on 118, Smith made a start on both and has been dropped 65.
Smith said he”lost a little concentration” when Leach arrived and needed”some luck” to go on and capture his next Test double century, all which have come against England.
“I was in a small rush for 20 minutes but once I have captured off the no-ball I switched back myself on,” he explained.
“It’s satisfying to have a huge score – I had been not able to miss the third Test but it gave me time to recover and it’s great to score a few runs and put ourselves in a excellent position”
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow said his side just need to provide credit to some”bloody good” batsman.
“He’s in some severe form, he has had a lay off and has come back with all the little bit between his teeth to score as many as he can,” Bairstow told Test Match Special.
“On the following day he is a bit earlier – he played and missed a fair number now he has not done so far in this show however, fair play to him he played well”
Bairstow additional England will just”suck ” those missed chances to dismiss Smith earlier and goal to”bat extended” on day three as they attempt to prevent a defeat that will see Australia retain the Ashes.
“If we could find every person mindset in the right frame of mind we will be able to occupy the crease for a very long period,” he explained.
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