When the Ashes started at Edgbaston in 2019 Steve Smith produced innings of 144 and 142 on his way to an average of 110.57 in the five Tests. As he prepares for a new series to start at the same venue on Friday, the 34‑year‑old has said he is a better player now than the one who haunted England’s bowlers four years ago.
Edgbaston is home of the famously raucous Hollies Stand, with the atmosphere possibly contributing to the fact that of all the home grounds where they have played more than six matches it is England’s most successful: they have won 53.7% of 54 Tests here. But Smith said he remembers nothing of the noise – “I sort of blocked it all out and just went about my business” – and that for him the ground holds only positive memories.
