Smith laughter will motivate England

Adelaide, December 1: Joe Root says that Steve Smith's light-hearted reaction during the post-match news conference after the first Test will spur England on in Adelaide.

The Australian skipper struggled to keep his giggles under control in Brisbane as the press questioned Cameron Bancroft over his head butt incident with Jonny Bairstow.

Smith was in high spirits after his side sealed a comprehensive 10-wicket win, and that led to him laughing his way through Bancroft's response.

That image has stuck with Root and his players as they prepare for the first day-night Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, and England intend to use it for added motivation.

I was laughing at Bancroft, not England Smith

"To see a reaction like that in a press conference is I mean if that can't get you up for the next game then I don't know what can. If that's not motivation to the players, I don't know what is," said Root.

"Hopefully that will work massively in our favour.

"I know it's an Ashes series, there is a lot on the line and naturally you are going to be motivated for every game but knowing the characters in our dressing-room that will really give them a bit of something else to make sure we put things right this week.

"I wouldn't say we're angry, it's more about how respond to it and make sure we do it in our way and not get dragged in to doing it in their way.

"It's not how we roll. It's not how we operate as a team. I think it is very important we continue to play this tour in the manner that we have gone about it so far and that we don't get involved in petty disputes and arguments that are nothing to do with cricket."

Source: OPTA