Smith looking forward to smashing Swann

Australia

Australia middle order batsman Steve Smith is looking forward to taking on England spinner Graeme Swann during the Ashes Down Under, starting this month, saying his attacking style has worked for him thus far.

Australia middle order batsman Steve Smith is looking forward to taking on England spinner Graeme Swann during the Ashes Down Under, starting this month, saying his attacking style has worked for him thus far.

Swann may have been the top wicket-taker during the Ashes in England earlier this year, but Smith did enjoy a few lusty blows against him, and is keen to do so again when the series kicks off in Brisbane on 21 November.

Smith had a successful Ashes, scoring two fifties and a century, but had to contend with a three-nil series defeat despite his efforts. But he's not looking to change his style, saying defensive cricket will just get him out.

Smith said of his technique against spinners in general and Swann in particular: "I think that (attacking strategy) worked quite well for me over in England.

"I got a hold of him (Swann) a couple of times and they put the field back straight away, so it gave me a good opportunity to get down the other end and get off strike and form a partnership.

"That's quite often my role against spinners, trying to manipulate the field a little bit and make them do something different and change their line and lengths.

"That's the key to batting probably. Looking to score runs and looking to be positive. If I go the other way and try and be defensive my feet don't work and I'll just get out."

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