Smith takes a break
Australian skipper rests his aching back
A SORE back restricted Steve Smith to the role of spectator at Australia’s first training session at the SCG yesterday but the skipper is considered in no doubt for the fifth Ashes Test.
Smith is renowned for his marathon net sessions and being the first to arrive at training and the last to leave.
The world’s best batsman failed to hit a single delivery yesterday, instead casting an eye on teammates while chewing the fat with coach Darren Lehmann and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns.
Smith, who also sat out slips practice, is expected to have a hit today. The skipper could be excused for having a stiff back after spending more than 31 hours at the crease against England, becoming Australia’s first captain to score 600 or more runs in an Ashes series since Don Bradman.
“Even for him, there is only so many balls his body can take hitting in a week. I’m sure he’ll make up for it tomorrow,” bowler Pat Cummins said.
“He’ll probably be here all day, I’m guessing.”
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan joked on Twitter that Smith’s sore back was “no surprise with the amount he carries this team”.
Much of the intrigue around the series finale, which starts at the SCG tomorrow, centres on how many more records Smith can break.
Smith’s career best form has resulted in centuries at the Gabba, WACA and MCG this summer.
Mitch Marsh rates Smith’s leadership highly, saying the skipper inspires with words as much as he does the willow.
“He’s in incredible form but the thing I love most is the way he leads,” Marsh said.
“You want your captain to be leading on the field and off it. The way he does it all is unbelievable.
“He loves the game. It’s just his hunger for us to be a successful team — it’s rubbing off on all of us.
“We’ve all got so much respect for him and hopefully his form continues.”
Marsh was at the nonstriker’s end for much of Smith’s career best knock of 239 in Perth then formed another key partnership with his skipper in Melbourne, ensuring Australia salvaged a draw. “The other day it was like he was having a net session,” he said.