After Australia defeated India in the World Test Championship at England's The Oval, how has the nation and its star player Steve Smith fared at the venue?
Unsurprisingly, having played all their previous matches at the venue against England, Andrew McDonald's side had traditionally struggled.
But former skipper Smith has often risen to the occasion despite the general struggles of the team and this has continued once again in the WTC with his individual performances.
The Sporting News analyses how the green and gold have performed at one of England's most famous venues.
What is Australia's record at The Oval?
Australia has only won eight of their 39 Test matches at the The Oval - with all of them except their WTC final victory over India coming against England.
On 17 occasions they were defeated by England and there have been 14 draws between the two teams.
Since Australia's last series win in England in 2001, they have only won at The Oval once, thrashing the hosts by an innings and 46 runs in 2015.
However, India has a worse record at the venue, winning only two of their 15 matches, losing six and drawing seven.
Records at The Oval
| Teams | Tests | Wins | Losses | Draw |
| India | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Australia | 39 | 8 | 17 | 14 |
What is Steve Smith's record at The Oval?
Despite his nation's dismal performances at The Oval against England, ex-captain Smith has a surprisingly good record at the venue.
From seven innings across four Tests at The Oval between 2013 and 2023, Smith has averaged 91, compiling three centuries and a 50.
In a draw against England in 2013, Smith smashed 138* on his debut at the ground, before stumbling to seven in his second dig.
As Australia secured their first win at The Oval in 14 years in 2015, Smith hit 143 in the first innings to lead his nation to a comfortable victory.
In 2019, Smith made 80 and 23 across Australia's two innings but couldn't prevent an innings defeat to England.
During the WTC final victory against India in 2023, Smith helped Australia to a commanding position with 121 in the opening innings and hit a handy 34 in his second dig.
How to watch and livestream The Ashes in Australia, UK and India
| TV CHANNEL | LIVESTREAM | |
| Australia | Channel 9/Fox Cricket | Kayo/9Now |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event/Cricket | Sky Go |
| India | Sony LIV | Sony LIV app |
Australia: Every Test match of the 2023 Ashes will be shown live and free on Channel 9 and the 9 Network, as well as livestreamed on 9Now. Foxtel's dedicated cricket channel Fox Cricket will also be showing The Ashes, which can also be streamed through Kayo.
United Kingdom: The Ashes will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports network via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket. Sky's broadcast can also be livestreamed on Sky Go.
India: Sony LIV is The Ashes broadcaster in India. Their telecast can also be livestreamed via the Sony LIV app.
When are The Ashes 2023?
The first Ashes Test begins on June 16, at 11am (local), 8pm (AEST) and 3.30pm (IST).
| First Test | June 16 - 21 |
| Second Test | June 28 - July 3 |
| Third Test | July 6 - 11 |
| Fourth Test | July 19 - 24 |
| Fifth Test | July 27 - August 1 |
