In 37 Tests against England Smith has made 3,417 runs with 12 centuries at an average of 56, and Katich believes he is capable of even more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I\u2019ve tipped that it will be Steve Smith, I think he\u2019s in for a big summer. I think England are going to have serious plans for him with their attack but I also think he\u2019s so experienced and so good in our conditions that he will find a way to get through that challenge,\" Katich said on SEN Breakfast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"And I think he always gets himself up for the big Ashes (series). He\u2019s had a good lead-in, he got a couple of 50s the other day at the SCG in a very low-scoring affair for New South Wales when they got bowled out for 120 in both innings. He\u2019s the standout for me. I think he\u2019ll be the player of the series,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As for England\u2019s top scorer, Katich made a massive call in relation to Joe Root, who has 39 Test tons, including four against Australia, but has not reached triple figures on Australian soil.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"And I think he always gets himself up for the big Ashes (series). He\u2019s had a good lead-in, he got a couple of 50s the other day at the SCG in a very low-scoring affair for New South Wales when they got bowled out for 120 in both innings. He\u2019s the standout for me. I think he\u2019ll be the player of the series,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I think it\u2019s around the MCG and I don\u2019t reckon he\u2019s got anything on. I think everyone in Australia might be wanting to see that happen, but maybe there\u2019s some that don\u2019t as well, particularly his wife,\" said Katich.<\/p>\r\n\r\n