Steve Smith has picked the player his side will silence when the Ashes get underway on Friday. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Australia stand-in captain Steve Smith has singled out England skipper Ben Stokes as the key figure his team must contain when the Ashes open at the Perth Stadium on Friday. With Pat Cummins ruled out through injury, Smith started his 41st Test as the leader and made it clear that Stokes remains England’s biggest influence across formats. Smith highlighted Stokes’ impact on the eve of the match. “He (Stokes) has done a great job with England over the last couple of years,” Smith said. He added that the all-rounder is not someone Australia want to provoke, noting: “Potentially he’s someone you don’t want to upset. He’s had a couple of performances against us where he’s either taken the game away from us or taken it away (for England).” Smith described Stokes as a constant presence in the competition: “He’s a quality player whether with the bat, the ball or the field. He’s always in the game and gives 110%. Hopefully we can keep him quiet.” England arrived confident under the Stokes-Brendon McCullum duo, whose aggressive style had defined their recent Test cricket. Smith said Australia would have to manage the pace carefully. “I think it’s just playing the pace of the game that needs to be played at any given time,” he explained. He added that there would be phases when England would score quickly during which Australia might have to hold back before choosing moments to counter-attack. The opening Test will also see debuts for Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett. Weatherald is set to open with Usman Khawaja after a strong home run. Smith praised the left-hander’s preparation, saying: “I’ve watched him hit the nets quite closely… He’s taken it on and got into really good positions… He’s been picked for his performances especially over the last 18 months.” Smith said Weatherald’s rise has been achieved through consistency. “I’m really excited about him… he’s been working hard for a long time and he will complement Usman Khawaja quite well,” he added. Australia have a strong record at the venue but were beaten by India there last summer. Smith said the conditions looked familiar, adding: “It looks like a good wicket… It’s going to have a decent pace and bounce off it.”
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With the large crowds expected, Smith said the atmosphere will elevate the competition: “This series has been on people’s radar for a long time. I think it’s a nice place to start the summer.”
