Matty hayden

New South Wales: Former Australian opener Simon Katich is confident that Steve Smith will be Australia’s leading run-scorer and Player of the Series in the upcoming Ashes and said the 36-year-old has the experience to sabotage England's plans in the ultimate showdown, starting from November 21 in Perth.

In 37 Tests against England Smith has made 3,417 runs with 12 centuries at an average of 56, and Katich believes he is capable of even more.

"I’ve tipped that it will be Steve Smith, I think he’s in for a big summer. I think England are going to have serious plans for him with their attack but I also think he’s so experienced and so good in our conditions that he will find a way to get through that challenge," Katich said on SEN Breakfast.