Recalled batsman Steve Smith stood up in difficult circumstances in India and says that shows he can play a leading hand for Australia in the Ashes on short notice.
Smith was added to Australia’s squad on Sunday for at least the first Test at Trent Bridge and the lead into the second fixture at Lord’s, with a decision to then be made on whether he will stay for the rest of the five-match series.
He’s there as cover for Michael Clarke who is under an injury cloud, and David Warner, who is suspended until the first Test.
Smith will play in one of the tour matches against Somerset or Worcestershire, in a bid to push his case for inclusion against England.
The 24-year-old was picked for India, but wasn’t expected to be used there either, until `homeworkgate’ hit before the third Test.
Having not played a Test in two years, Smith came in amid the chaos and scored a brilliant 92 in the first innings, desperately unlucky not to bring up a maiden century.
In the fourth Test, he made 46 and his good form has continued on the recently completed Australia A tour of the UK, smashing a superb 133 against Ireland in Belfast.
Smith said his dropping in 2011 forced him to become a better player and believes his efforts in India prove he is capable of seizing his chances.
“Yeah I guess. I worked very hard in the nets in India for a good amount of time we were there. I feel as though my game is in a good place at the moment,” Smith told AAP.
“I probably didn’t start off my Test career as well as I would have liked and to go well in India was big for me coming back into the side.
“I’m really pleased with the way I batted on this (Australia A) tour and hopefully I can continue that on into our summer as well.
“When you get dropped you always look at yourself and see what you need to improve to get back to that level.
“I feel as though I’ve changed a few things with my batting that have made me improve as a player and hopefully I can continue to improve with every game I play and every season I play.”
Smith is recognised as an outstanding player of spin, but he believes he’s improved his batting against quality swing bowling.
In Belfast, Smith had to weather difficult conditions for batting, with the ball nipping around everywhere.
“I really enjoy playing cricket over here. I think these conditions, the slow wickets are quite suited to the way I play,” he said.
