Melbourne, Nov. 17 -- Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich has made bold prediction for compatriot Steve Smith and Joe Root from England for the Ashes series Down Under, saying that the Aussie Test maestro will walk away with the 'Player of the Series' honours while a maiden century on Australian soild will continue to elude the second-highest run-getter in the format.

While Smith is in a fine nick heading into the home Ashes, Root has a massive burden of expectations on his shoulders to keep the 'Bazball' powered English line-up stable and give them a platform to perform their batting pyrotechnics. Having looted runs everywhere, a century in Australia still eludes Root, who is chasing Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's all-time highest ...