Proud Smith says Australia ‘stood up’, then heads for drink with Stokes

SYDNEY: Australia skipper Steve Smith said Thursday he will have a drink with Ben Stokes and reflect on a “fun” Ashes series, while praising his team for adapting to all scenarios in winning the five-Test showdown.

The hosts completed a five-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground after lunch on day five for a thumping 4-1 series victory, retaining the famous urn for at least another 18 months.

Touted to be a close-fought contest, the Ashes was all over inside three Tests with Australia superior in all departments despite missing some key players.

“It was nice to finish on a high note and we know the importance of every Test match in terms of the World Test Championship,” said Smith, with points at stake in Sydney.

“It was a good game of Test cricket and it was a well-earned victory.”

With pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood missing throughout with injury and Pat Cummins only playing one Test, veteran left-armer Mitchell Starc carried the attack, taking a series-leading 31 wickets.

Australia’s other key standout was Travis Head, who blasted three centuries when elevated to opener after Usman Khawaja suffered back spasms at the first Test in Perth.

Despite their individual brilliance Smith said it was a team effort.

“The guys stood up in different scenarios and everyone did their job, we are proud of that,” he said.

“We have an experienced side, we have played good cricket in the last four or five years, we have been a part of two World Test Championship finals, it’s a great team to be part of.

“We know how to play on these surfaces.”

While a dejected England leave for home well beaten and under mounting pressure, Smith told TNT Sports he planned to have “a jar” with counterpart Stokes and commiserate.

“I said to Stokesy, ‘Come in for a jar’. I’m sure we’ll see the (English) boys and reflect on what’s been a fun series to be a part of.”