Australia batsman Steve Smith not feeling Ashes pressure

Steve Smith says there is no extra pressure on him to perform during the Investec Ashes series, despite being ranked the No 1 batsman in the world.

Since the 2013-14 series, Smith has amassed almost 1,500 Test runs and has six centuries to his name.

The New South Wales batsman has progressed markedly during his career and smashed another ton in the opening warm-up match with Kent at Canterbury to leave the Australia vice-captain in confident mood ahead of the Ashes opener at Cardiff.

"I don't feel like there is any extra pressure at all," said Smith, who was rested for the final warm-up game at Essex ahead of the first Test on Wednesday.

"It is just about going out there and doing the same things I have been doing, not letting any of those external things in, just watching the ball and trying to score runs. Everything else will take care of itself.

"My game has developed a lot over the last couple of years, and that has happened through a lot of hard work.”

Smith believes an attention to detail has helped him improve his game, with a lot of work done to improve his batting technique.

"When I played in Ashes in 2010-11, my technique probably wasn't up to it, I was probably playing at balls I didn't need to be," he added.

"I looked at a bit of footage, what I needed to improve. Since then my technique has tightened up a lot and my general mind-set around batting and batting long periods has certainly changed.

"I got rid of a tap that I used to have, just before the bowler bowled to me. I was getting myself too high, my balance was out, my stroke-play was out, everything was out of sync, so I am a lot more still at the crease now.

"It is about being patient, making sure I am leaving the ball well.

"I know I have got an attacking game and as long as my defence is in order, I am pretty confident I can score runs."

Watch every ball of the first Investec Test live on our dedicated channel, Sky Sports Ashes, from 10am on Wednesday.

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