Chris Woakes described Steve Smith as “destructive” with the England bowler speaking about how crucial it is to get out the Australian batsman as soon as possible on Sunday.

Smith – having scored a mesmeric 144 in the first innings – added an unbeaten 46 on day three of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston with Australia leading England by 34 runs heading into day four.

Australia resume on 124-3, knowing their chances might well live and die with their former skipper.

“Obviously Steve’s a very good player and don’t get me wrong we’re trying to get him out as well but whenever you get a new player at the crease you try and attack them as much as possible because that’s when you’re most vulnerable as a player, when you first get to the crease,” said Woakes.

“We saw how destructive he was at the back end of the first innings. He ended up scoring over half the first innings’ runs so it’s important that we try to get him out as well.”