Ashes 2019: Steve Smith says he was 'pretty cooked' mentally and physically following run-fest series against England
FirstpostFew expected Smith to rediscover the form he had shown before being banished to the sidelines for 12 months for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. London: Run-machine Steve Smith described himself as being “pretty cooked” after his prolific bat ensured Australia will return home having retained the coveted urn after their 2-2 drawn Ashes series against England. “I have given it my all while I have been here for the last four-and-a-half months but I didn’t have much more to give today,” Smith told reporters on Sunday after England salvaged a win at The Oval to ensure the first drawn Ashes series since 1972. “I was pretty cooked mentally and physically and I am looking forward to a couple of weeks off and heading back for the Australian summer.” England’s two victories in the series came in a match Smith missed after a blow to his neck and one in which he scored his only sub-50 score of the series. “First Test is always important in an Ashes series and to pull the team out of trouble gave me the confidence to know I could slot straight back in and perform,” Smith said.