Ashes 2019 | Great players always stand up when you need them, James Pattinson backs Steve Smith

The 29-year-old pacer termed Steve Smith as a "fantastic player”, who could rescue the team once again with the bat as he did in Australia’s first innings in the ongoing first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston.

"I was talking to the press before about great players and how they always stand up when you need them. And I think he's done that in this game. Without him, we would be in a bit of trouble," said Pattinson, reported AFP.

Australia’s former captain, Steve Smith didn’t have a warm welcome in England. In fact, he was quite expectedly booed and taunted by the English crowd at Edgbaston. However, he let his willow do the talking as he mastered a brilliant 144 in the first innings. Pattinson believes that the way Smith has ignored all that and batted with absolute class, calls for huge praise. 

"He's been copping a bit from the crowd, which has amused a lot of people, but to his credit, he just gets on with it. He's someone who lifts the group when he's out there," Pattinson added.

Under Steve Smith’s captaincy, Australia had won the Ashes 2017 series and the Ashes-holders would be looking to win their first Test series away to England in 18 years. With Smith close to his half-century in the second innings, Australia have taken a lead of 34 runs at the close of play on the third day. Australia were on 124/3 at Stumps Day 3.