Steve Smith questions whether England could repeat 'Bazball' tactics against Australia

Smith has been impressed by their Ashes rivals but says the prospect of going hard against Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc is an altogether different challenge

Steve Smith has questioned the sustainability of England's fearless batting and believes things could go differently against Australia's all-star attack.

Brendon McCullum has liberated his players since taking over, giving them license to attack in a style of play dubbed 'Bazball'.

It has led to four Test wins in a row since he and new captain Ben Stokes took over, the most recent coming against India at Edgbaston.

"I've watched a little bit of it, it's certainly been entertaining, they’re coming out playing their shots," said Smith.

"Even someone like Alex Lees started to come down the wicket when he was on nothing really to play the way he played."

^{Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc will get another sighter of England next summer (Saeed Khan/Getty Images)}

Smith was heard shouting "Bazball" while batting in the nets as Australia warmed up for the second Sri Lanka Test in Galle starting on Friday (July 8).

Australia return to England next summer for their Ashes defence, and Smith believes those tactics could have a different outcome if deployed against their pace attack.

"(I'm) intrigued to see how long it lasts, if it’s sustainable," he added.

"If you come on a wicket that’s got some grass and Josh Hazlewood, (Pat) Cummins and (Mitchell) Starc are rolling in at you. 

"Is it going to be the same? We’ll see what happens."

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