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steve smith states that he is ready to fill in the form Australia Captain for the Ashes pat cummins A big doubt for the first test next month England,
Cummins announced last week that his chances of being included were slim Perth The curtain raiser begins on November 21, as he continues his recovery from a lumbar strain in his lower back.
Although no decision has been officially made on his availability, Smith is ready to lead the team again as Cummins’ right-hand man, having sidelined the fast bowler on half a dozen occasions, and winning five of those Tests.
“The team is better with (Cummins),” Smith told reporters. “Hopefully he can be right and if he plays three or five Tests, whatever we can get out of him is the best thing for the team.
“We’ll see what happens. Pat’s still got some things he can work on. Obviously they said he’s unlikely for that first Test but you never know – he’s a healer, he recovers quickly.
“I’ve stood up a few times over the years. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. I know how the team works, we’re in a good place, if it happens I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Smith, who also captained Australia for 34 Test matches from 2014-18 before resigning following the ball-tampering controversy, averages close to 70 with the bat when he captains the national team.
“I feel like I’m going to another level and trying to set a standard,” Smith said. “It’s worked out well since I’ve stood up over the last few years. If that happens it will be a seamless transition.”
Smith has had a two-month break since his last match in The Hundred in August, but he is set to return to domestic action in the Sheffield Shield clash with New South Wales in Queensland next week.
The 36-year-old will be looking forward to one more match to be at his best to take on England, although he is already looking forward to the blockbuster five-Test series.
“Honestly, it takes two hits for me to settle down,” Smith said. “I think I’m ready to go now.
“Obviously there is a balance, but I don’t think it will take me too long now to get up to game speed and I want to try to stay mentally fresh. Technically I feel in a good place, it’s about being mentally fresh.”