Fall over for Smith

AUSTRALIA captain Steve Smith is likely to be fit for the Ashes despite returning home from the tour of India with a shoulder problem.

Smith, 28, fell awkwardly on his right shoulder during the fifth ODI in Nagpur last Sunday.

He is expected to recover in time for the start of the Australian season but it is another concern for the hosts after fast bowler James Pattinson was ruled out of the Ashes through inury.

Team doctor Richard Saw said: “An MRI scan excluded serious injury and he will have further investigation at home.

“We remain confident he will be available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season.”

India won the first of three T20 internationals yesterday by nine wickets on DLS in Ranchi.