Sydney, Aug. 15 -- Australia batting icon Steve Smith is raring to go against England in the home Ashes later this year.

The charismatic Australia batter, who has the third-highest Test runs against England after Sir Don Bradman and Allan Border, opened up about the five-Test series in an interview with Sky Sports.

Smith conceded that he was closely following the recently concluded England-India Test series, and that England's aggressive style of play is likely to produce an exciting contest Down Under.

"I watched a lot of the series against India and it was one of the best Test series I've seen in a long time. The cricket that was played by both teams was outstanding," Smith said.

"England have a good side at the moment. They are obvio...