Brisbane, Oct. 28 -- Steve Smith, who will serve as Australia's captain in the absence of Pat Cummins during the first Ashes Test in Perth, has warned England's 'Bazballers' that scoring runs will be a "tricky" affair on surfaces down under.

Cricket Australia on Monday confirmed that designated skipper Cummins will miss the opening Test due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his back. During the buildup to the oldest cricketing rivalry, scheduled to begin on November 21, shots have been fired from both sides.

Smith, Australia's talismanic batter, cautioned their arch-rival, declaring that the Ben Stokes-led side will be greeted with green-top pitches, unlike the lifeless pitches in England.

"The conditions are going to be different here...