Australia star Steve Smith is convinced England will not be able to compete with his side in the upcoming Ashes series if the World Cup winners continue its strong run of form.
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The English side are on a high after claiming victory in the second Test against the West Indies last weekend.
However, Smith says he doesn’t think England will “come close” to Australia on current form and said he could not wait to play in English conditions.
“I can’t wait to get over there and play another Ashes against England in their conditions after beating them so convincingly in Australia,” Smith told ESPNCricinfo.
“It’s going to be nice to go in their backyard. If we continue to play the way we have been playing over the last 12-18 months, I don’t think that they’ll come close to us to be honest.”
Australia all-rounder Shane Watson said the side was determined to end its streak of three consecutive Ashes series losses on English soil.
“We’ve got a very strong squad that’s going over to England,” Watson said.
“We’ve got good depth and the best part is everyone is in nearly career-best form right now which is most important as well. There is a huge hunger within the group because we know that we haven’t won in England for the last three series. I’ve been involved in two of those.
“There’s a big burning desire to be involved in an Ashes winning campaign in England as well. We’re as well prepared as we can be within our group. I’m incredibly excited about what’s on the horizon with the Ashes and everyone else is as well.”
Despite the turmoil that engulfed English cricket during its disastrous World Cup campaign, Alastair Cook’s side are unbeaten at Test level in five matches following its 3-1 series win over India.
The 2015 Ashes series begins in Cardiff on July 8.
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