Smith needs to be England's heartbeat - Prior

Matt Prior has emphasized the importance of Jamie Smith in the England cricket team, stating that he needs to embrace the role of being the "heartbeat" of the team. Prior believes that Smith should be prepared for the challenge of helping the team recover from their current situation, as England is down 2-0 in the Ashes series against Australia. This sentiment reflects the urgency and need for strong leadership within the team as they face significant adversity. England's position in the Ashes series has become increasingly precarious following their eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the second Test at the Gabba. The loss has left England's hopes of reclaiming the Ashes in serious jeopardy, with the team struggling to find form and cohesion. The defeat occurred in less than six days of cricket, marking a dismal performance that has left the team's morale in tatters, particularly after a disappointing third day in Brisbane. The situation for England is critical, and the call for Smith to step up as a leader highlights the pressure on the players to perform better in the remaining matches. The team's ability to recover from this setback will be crucial as they aim to turn the series around and avoid further losses. Prior's comments underscore the need for resilience and determination as England faces the challenge ahead in the Ashes series.