Fidgety Smith on way back
OF the millions of Australians struggling to process Ben Stokes’s brutal Headingley rampage and wondering what is next in an enthralling Ashes series now level at 1-1, spare a thought for Steve Smith.
Smith wears his heart on his sleeve in good times and bad while struggling to stay still — with the noted exception of a bowler’s release point.
He is expected to return from concussion in a Derby tour game tomorrow then resume his battle with England in the fourth Test, which starts at Old Trafford next Wednesday.
“I know last week at Lord’s he said he was screaming at the TV from his hotel room, watching the final hour,” Pat Cummins said.
“He seems OK, I’m not sure how he was watching (during the game).”
Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja headline the list of candidates facing the axe as selectors now mull how best to reshuffle the batting order.
The three-day clash with Derbyshire will likely decide which batsman makes way for Smith, with Marnus Labuschagne entrenched after topscoring in three innings.
“We were right on top (in Leeds) and we’ve got the world’s best batter coming in for the next one,” Cummins said.
“It’s going to be great for him to be back.”
Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson are certainties to sit out the game in Derby.
Mitchell Starc, in the mix to return to the Test arena, will be among the bowlers out to impress selectors this week.
“I’m sure he’ll be bowling pretty fast . . . he’ll be one to keep an eye on,” Cummins said.
Smith’s enforced omission in Leeds was a tick for Cricket Australia’s concussion policy, given it was a such a highstakes contest.
It was also an obvious blow to the tourists’ hopes of a victory that would guarantee they would become the first Australian squad to retain the urn in England since 2001.
Labuschagne, playing in place of Smith, scored 154 runs.
There is no doubting Australia missed Smith’s sage tactical advice regarding fields, reviews, bowling changes and plans on a frantic fourth day.
A half chance offered by Stokes may well have been snapped up by the former skipper; although David Warner’s efforts in the cordon were superb.
Team doctor Richard Saw has overseen a gradual return to activity for Smith.
His first hit, against throwdowns, lasted 15 minutes before Saw gave him his marching orders.