JAMIE SMITH believes a frustrating past few months with England could be the making of him.

A little over a year ago, Smith was averaging close to 60 after his first dozen Tests, while he equalled the record for the fastest wicketkeeper to 1,000 runs in just 21 innings.

But he endured a torturous Ashes, making just one 50-plus score and his rank dismissal to Australia part-timer Marnus Labuschagne in Sydney attracted scathing criticism from several ex-England players.

Smith’s average now sits just under 40 after 22 Tests, having made three half-centuries in his last 10 matches.

Still only 26, Smith hopes his best days are ahead of him.

“I’ve obviously been slightly disappointed with how the last six to nine months have gone, they’ve been challenging, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“But I think every player experiences that throughout their career and I feel like I will be better for these experiences.

“If I go back to Australia, I’ll be in a better position to know the conditions and know what to expect and improve on that.

“Hopefully against Pakistan, I can play how I played in the last innings at Trent Bridge and have a bit more success there.”