Steve Smith hails Ben Stokes' ability, criticises off-field behaviour
The five-test series starts in Brisbane on Nov. 23 and Smith said he hoped no Australian players ever found themselves in the same situation as Stokes.
Trending Photos
Sydney: Australia captain Steve Smith says England`s Ben Stokes is "one of the best players" in the world but he cannot condone the behaviour that led to the all-rounder being arrested for an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub.
Smith would not be drawn, however, on whether Stokes should be banned from playing in the series.
"Whether he comes or not, that`s out of our control," Smith told ABC Grandstand in his first public comments on Stokes` situation.
"You always want to come up against the best and test your skills against the best. That`s what test cricket is all about. There`s no doubt Ben Stokes is one of the best players around the world at the moment with the skills he brings to the game."
The five-test series starts in Brisbane on Nov. 23 and Smith said he hoped no Australian players ever found themselves in the same situation as Stokes.
"I certainly don`t condone that kind of behaviour," he added. "Hopefully it never happens to one of our boys. I don`t condone that type of behaviour. Let`s hope we never cross paths with that."