Steve Smith doesn’t believe he’s nailed down his position in the Australian ODI side and knows making a compelling argument with his spin bowling could be his ticket to the World Cup.

Australia are stacked with quality batting options heading into next year’s banner 50-over event, with David Warner and Shane Watson two near certainties for Cup selection not even in Zimbabwe for the current tri-series.

Despite locking down a place in the Test team over the past 18 months, Smith hasn’t played regular ODIs since 2011 and faces stiff competition for his spot in a middle order brimming with allrounders.

The clincher for Smith could be if he starts to fulfil his potential as a leg-spinner.

Coach Darren Lehmann has called on part-timers like Smith to stand up and take more responsibility with their bowling to expand Australia’s wicket-taking options.

It’s not something that’s going to come automatically for Smith, who consciously shelved bowling over the past couple of years to concentrate on batting, after falling into a lull in his career.

“I’m trying … the ball is coming out well,” said Smith, who cleaned up the Zimbabwean tail with three wickets on Monday but didn’t trouble South Africa on Wednesday.

“For me it’s just about getting overs in a game again … and get some confidence that way.

“It’s a pretty handy string to have in your bow.”

Smith, who made his Test debut back in 2010 as a spinner, says he’d like to spend more time with occasional Australian coaching consultant Shane Warne – who he insists makes him better every time he trains with him.

The 25-year-old doesn’t have a permanent spin mentor and the problem is finding time with Warne amid the Test legend’s busy social and commentating schedule.

“I’m sure if I was to ring him up and say, ‘mate I’ve got a few things I want to work on, what do you think?’ I’m sure he’d be pretty open with that,” Smith said.