Ahead of the Ashes series later this year, Australian star Steve Smith has issued a warning to England batters, who are currently making merry on “pretty flat” wicket at home against India.

The ease of batting in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has become a topic of discussion, and Smith believes the Ben Stokes-led side shouldn’t get used to batting-friendly surfaces.

The two teams have consistently put on board runs in excess of 400 while managing to go beyond 500 runs in an innings at least once.

“Their (England) batters are going to be challenged a little bit differently to the wickets they have had over in England for a while, which have looked pretty flat and good for batting,” Smith was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“The wickets in Australia in the last three or four years have been very tricky for top order batters. It is going to be a good challenge for them. But it’s going to be a wonderful series.”

As part of preparation for the Ashes, Smith is keeping a close tab on England-India series. “I have been watching the India and England series and there has been some great cricket played there, so I think the Ashes this year is going to be an absolute belter,” he said.

According to Smith, England have restrained their all-out attacking approach and look more focused on winning matches than entertaining fans.

“They have started to play a little bit differently in the last couple of weeks in terms of playing the situation, as opposed to going out and trying to be the entertainers that they said they wanted to be,” Smith stated.

“They are actually trying to win the games now which is perhaps different to what was said in their comments previously.”

Smith called time on his ODI career after the Champions Trophy earlier this year. However, he desires to continue playing the shortest format till 2028 Los Angels Games, with the aim to become an Olympian.

“I decided to stop playing one-day cricket so I can play more franchises, with the aim to make the Olympic team,” Smith said.

“So to play more shorter-form tournaments around the world is only going to be beneficial. It has been a long run for me, and I have been doing this for a long time. I am still enjoying it and particularly the shorter formats and want to keep putting my name out there.”