Before departing to UK for the limited-overs series next month, Australia's best batsman Steve Smith admitted feeling inspired to perform better during the Ashes 2019 by all the jeering from the English crowds on his return following a year-long ban for involvement in the ball-tampering saga.
While playing for one's country is always the biggest motivation, Smith said it would still feel a little strange returning to the same shores where he made 774 runs in four Tests last year without any fan-presence at stadiums in Manchester and Southampton for the three ODIs and three T20Is played amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read Also: Alex Carey admits feeling "disappointed" on being removed as co-vice-captain
"I do like batting there, unfortunately there's going to be no crowd there to egg me on and give me a bit more motivation," said Smith at the Sydney airport before the 21-member Aussie squad and support staff flew across to England.
"I've watched a bit of the Tests England have played, and we know their white-ball cricket over the last few years has been exceptional, so it's going to be a good series," he added.
The visitors have left well in advance in order to do their quarantine, training before on-field action in what will be their first series since the pandemic firmed its grip in March and also the start of an extended period away from home till the summer back home, with just a three-day turnaround from this series to the IPL 2020 in UAE from September 19 included in between.
"I'm looking forward to getting back into it, obviously it's going to be a bit different than what we're used to being in a bubble and playing with no crowds. That presents a challenge in itself, but one we're looking forward to," said Smith, adding the need for players to "stick together" during this period.
"It'll be interesting to see how long the bubble(s) lasts for, how long we're going to have to be in that. We're lucky to be able to go and play, we'll just do what we need to and play it day by day, stick together as a bunch and help each other out. I'm sure there will be tough moments for all the guys being away from their families for long periods of time," he concluded.
The T20Is will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on September 4th, 6th and 8th, while the ODIs, also part of the ICC Super League, will be held on September 11th, 13th and 16th, respectively, at Manchester's Old Trafford.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
