Steven Smith surprised by Bayliss' defensive tactics

Steven Smith is ecstatic after scoring a century in the 2nd Ashes Test against England

Steven Smith has branded England coach Trevor Bayliss’ tactics as ‘defensive’ after his side dominated proceedings on the opening day of the second Ashes Test, ESPNcricinfo reported. The Australian vice-captain said he was surprised at the way his former New South Wales mentor allowed the game to drift away.

“Look I was a little bit surprised that Trevor Bayliss would allow Alastair Cook to have a deep point for as long as he did today, to be honest,” Smith said. "I think it was a good pitch to bat on but they got defensive quite quickly.”

The 26-year-old then took a swipe at the opposition saying that his team would never resort to such an approach

“I know that’s one thing we’re certainly not going to do,” he added.

Smith expressed delight at how things went for his team on Thursday after Michael Clarke won the toss and decided to bat.

"I think it was a good toss to win and I think we have made the most of the first day which was pretty important for us. We didn't play as well as we could in Cardiff and we copped a lot for that and rightfully so, so it was pretty important for us to start this test well and hopefully we can capitalise and make a big first innings score,” Smith said.

Smith relieved at making it big at Lord’s

The Aussie batsman had a terrible record at the Mecca of cricket heading into Thursday with a single score in double-figures in his four innings at Lord’s so far. He made his debut here against Pakistan in 2010 and then faced England in the 2013 Ashes Test, failing on both occasions.

Smith was relieved that he had finally got things right at Lord’s.

"I haven't had a great run at Lord's with the bat in my first couple of games I've played here," he said. "It was something I really wanted to rectify, particularly after last week, I got 33 in both innings and didn't go on with it. I was quite disappointed the way I got out particularly in the first innings to Moeen Ali. I think I played him a lot smarter today, I just waited on his loose balls and didn't look to go after him too much. It was extremely satisfying to score runs today and put on such a big partnership with Chris."

The unbeaten 259-run stand broke the Ashes record for the highest 2nd wicket partnership at Lord’s.

Smith feels the pitch is a bit on the slower side and expressed hope that the batsmen to follow will build on the good start.

"It's pretty crucial to make this first innings count. The wicket's a little bit slower than it traditionally is here at Lord's, hopefully we can get a big first innings and hopefully the wicket will slow up a little bit and take a little bit of turn and we can get Nathan Lyon into the game nice and early," Smith said.