Steve Smith said England’s new attacking approach to testing cricket was exciting but expressed doubts if it could withstand the heat of Australian bowling.
England have won all four Tests under new coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, beating world Test champions New Zealand 3-0 in June before chasing a record 378 against India this week.
Smith said England’s batsmen might not do as well against Australia’s bowling attack of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
“It was exciting. I’m just curious to see how long it lasts, if it’s sustainable,” Smith told reporters ahead of Australia’s second test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday.
“If you come on a wicket with some grass and Josh Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc come at you, will it be the same?
“I’m intrigued by all of this… Will it work every time? I dont know.”
Smith added that his confusion with Usman Khawaja had no lingering bad feeling after his dismissal in the opening Test at Galle, which Australia won by 10 wickets to lead 1-0 in the two-game series.
The 33-year-old stormed away after falling six places and his reaction drew criticism from former Australia captains Ian Chappell and Mark Taylor.
“I hate getting out of hand. I think everyone does,” Smith said. “I was quite upset. That happens in the game. I had to keep moving forward and that’s part of the game.
“I spoke to Uz right after, it was pretty relaxed. Mix-ups happen and we move on.”