Smith leaps into first Test mix

Australia's Steve Smith drives for another boundary as he puts up his hand for selection in the first Test with an impressive stint in the middle on day two of the tour match against Worcester. Source: Getty Images

Steve Smith is congratulated by Phil Hughes after reaching his half century. Source: Getty Images

STEVE Smith is making a late charge for next week's first Test at Trent Bridge.

Called into the Ashes squad last week as a reserve batsman, the talented right-hander played a rapid fire innings against Worcester overnight.

Resuming on 21, Smith bolted to 68 not out in the opening hour of day two as Australia raced to 4-396 before Michael Clarke declared. Phil Hughes was 19 not out.

At tea Worcester was 2-155 in reply with recently dumped England opener Nick Compton unbeaten on 71 as a guest player for the county.

Despite his dropping from the Test team Compton is having a good time against Australia, scoring 81 and 34 against the tourists for his county, Somerset, last week.

Smith left Hughes in his wake, adding 47 yesterday as Hughes spent much of the time as a spectator at the other end, creeping from his overnight score of 10.

Smith brought up his half-century with a lovely straight six from spinner Moin Ali after a series of lovely cover and square drives to the boundary.

His 50 came in 70 balls with seven fours and two sixes but yesterday's component was 29 runs in 28 balls with five fours and a six.

Smith had been called up as cover for the suspended David Warner, with concerns about Michael Clarke's back given he missed the entire Champions Trophy.

However because he is playing in Australia's last pre-Ashes warm-up match ahead of Usman Khawaja, Smith is clearly a chance to grab a place in the first Test, which begins next Wednesday.

He had a mixed tour with Australia A leading into this match but scored 133 in a first class match against Ireland last month.

Smith was unlucky not to be part of the original Ashes squad after being one of the few success stories on the disastrous tour of India earlier this year.

He had a modest season for NSW, averaging 37 and failing to score a century, but he was chosen for India on the basis of his ability to play spin and was given an opportunity in the third Test when Shane Watson was among four players suspended for homeworkgate.

With Clarke injured for the last Test Smith kept his place, scoring a total of 161 runs with an average of 40 and a best of 92 in the series.

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