New Delhi, Nov 18 (The Deccan Times): Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has admitted that even after years of fierce Ashes battles, he still does not know the best way to dismiss Steve Smith — a problem he believes could make the upcoming Ashes “a long series” for England if not solved early.
Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Broad reflected on how challenging it has always been to bowl to Smith. Recalling Smith’s monumental 239 in Perth during the 2017 Ashes, Broad said he spent three days watching every delivery crash into the middle of Smith’s bat.
“I didn’t miss the middle of his bat for three days,” Broad said. “Every ball I bowled hit the middle.”
Smith’s Ashes dominance continues
Smith, 36, remains one of the most formidable Test batters of his generation.
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Ashes average: 56.01
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Ashes centuries: 12
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Most runs in 2017–18 series: 687
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Most runs in 2019 series: 774
Broad has dismissed him more than any other bowler — 11 times in Tests — yet still insists there is no fixed plan to get him out.
“I still can’t sit here and go, ‘This is how you get him out’,” Broad admitted. “You bowl a good ball and it still goes for four. That’s his strength.”
Smith’s overall Test average sits at 56.02, rising to 59.70 in Australia, underlining how difficult he is to contain on home soil. His form has rebounded strongly in 2025 after a long lean patch between mid-2023 and late-2024. This year, he has already scored multiple centuries, including twin tons against Sri Lanka and a commanding 118 in October during his Ashes preparation.
“England must get him early” — Broad’s warning
Broad believes England’s best chance lies in preventing Smith from settling.
“To win the series, we have to keep his average under 50,” Broad said. “He’s going to score a hundred — that’s what he does. But if he averages 40, that’s already 15 below his career mark.”
He added that if England are not celebrating within Smith’s first 40 runs, the series could slip away quickly.
Over the years, England have experimented with several tactics to counter Smith’s unique technique — from wide-of-off lines and leg-gully traps to custom deliveries crafted just for him. Broad recalled the 2019 plan where Jason Roy fielded at leg gully and repeatedly came close to catching Smith early, only for the Australian to escape and score twin centuries in the same Test.
Can Jofra Archer trouble Smith again?
One of England’s biggest hopes may be the return of Jofra Archer, who last bowled to Smith in Tests during the dramatic 2019 Lord’s encounter — where a devastating bouncer forced Smith to retire hurt. Although Archer did not dismiss him in that innings, he later removed Smith in an ODI in 2024.
Broad believes Archer’s natural angle and late movement could again pose problems.
“Can Jofra be that guy? Nicking him off from back of a length,” Broad said. “With the way he nips the ball back in, can he get one to hold its line when Smith is expecting the nip-backer?”
As anticipation builds for the next Ashes showdown, Broad’s assessment highlights a familiar challenge: England must find a way to solve the Steve Smith puzzle — or risk another summer dominated by Australia’s most dependable run-machine.
