Former England pacer Stuart Broad warned the visitors that the Ashes could turn into a “long series” for them if they fail to remove Australia’s star batter Steve Smith early.

“To win the series, we have to keep Smith [his average] to under 50. He’s gonna score a hundred, it’s what he does. But if he averages 40, you’re doing brilliantly. I think you have to get him early. If England aren’t celebrating [his wicket] in his first 40 runs, it’s going to be a long series,” said Broad on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast.