Testing times in Aussie bid

AUSSIE skipper Steve Smith is turning Big Brother as he scans a clutch Sheffield Shield round to fill two key Ashes slots, conceding there’s a board mandate to give youth a chance.

Former Test opener Ed Cowan, 35, was filthy at his demotion for the Blues’ day-night Shield season opener against South Australia starting today with Daniel Hughes, 28, preferred.

“There is pressure for spots so we want to see guys play under pressure and play well,” said Smith in a bid to test the nation’s younger guns.