The Ashes series begins next week, and vice-captain Ollie Pope asserted that England has devised a new strategy to deal with Australian batter Steve Smith.

Smith has a stellar record playing in English conditions and against England. Despite being knocked on the head by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes at Lord's, he scored 774 runs at an average of 110.54.

The Aussie batter looked in superb touch in English conditions again at The Oval as he struck 121 in Australia’s first innings of the World Test Championship final at The Oval. England will take on Australia in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston from June 16, leaving Pope well aware of the threat. But he expressed confidence that England’s bowlers are ready for Smith as they have worked out ways to bowl at him. “There’s also a lot of talented bowlers in our changing room who have worked out ways we can challenge him, both edges as well. So I think that’s probably going to be the main thing for us. Can’t say too much but there’s probably slightly different plans this time,” Pope told British media.

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