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Ireland begin a four-day match against very strong Australia A side in Stormont tomorrow, so we caught up with all-rounder Steve Smith to find out what he thinks of Ireland, Irish cricket, and Australia’s chances of winning back the Ashes in England.

Q: It’s your third time visiting Ireland to play cricket, how do you like it here?

I think it’s a very nice place; I mean, I haven’t had a chance to see a lot of it outside the hotel really. It’s my third time to be here and we played a great game in Dublin a few years ago when I was 12th Man, and then last year we were washed out so hopefully we can get better weather this time around back in Belfast.

Q: What do you think of the progress of the Ireland team in recent years?

They’ve improved quite a bit as far as I can see. They’ve won games on big stages, at World Cups and it doesn’t get much bigger than that. They’re a good team for us to play against and will provide a good challenge. We have a strong group here so hopefully the game can go down to the last day and be a good match and a good test for both teams.

Q: How do you think Ireland can continue to improve?

Playing together as a team is really important, and having good staff working behind the scenes. And just looking to improve every single day. That’s been the focus of any team I’ve been successful with, improving all the time and trying to become one as a team.

Q: The Ashes are coming up; what do you think Australia’s chances are of winning them back?

It’s going to be a tough series, definitely. England are playing some good cricket at the moment so it’s a big series but I think it’s going to be really good cricket and great to watch.

Q: Australia are hosting the World Cup in 2015, are you looking forward to that?

There is plenty of cricket between now and then so I’m just focusing on playing some good cricket and looking to get back into the full Australia side. It’s always good playing on home soil though so I’m sure it will be a fantastic tournament. I believe Ireland are well placed to qualify too so it will be good to have them down.

Q: Do you think Irish people are like Australians?

Like I said, I haven’t had much of a chance to get out but the people I meet here are very friendly and keen to help you out in any way they can. It’s certainly one of the nicest places we get to tour.

Q: What are your personal aims for 2013?

Well, hopefully I can put together some good performances for the rest of this tour. Kind of a motto of mine would be trying to get better every day. I’ll always try and do whatever I can to help my team win and I’ll be looking to get back into the Australian team.

Q: You’re an all-rounder, do you see yourself as being more of a batsman or a bowler?

Ah, I think I’d be more of a batsman these days. I’ve worked really hard on it recently, trying to add to my game. I’m going well at the moment and hopefully I can keep that going with this game that starts tomorrow.

Q: If you had to choose between Test, ODI or T20 cricket, which would you choose?

Well, Test cricket is the pinnacle for every cricketer but I can’t really say which one I prefer. Any type of cricket is pretty fun to be honest, as long as I’m playing I’m happy!

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