Smith: I’m not afraid of Jofra

STEVE SMITH has told England paceman Jofra Archer to keep the short stuff coming – because the tactic hasn’t worked yet.

The Australian star will return for the fourth Test at Old Trafford next week after sitting it out at Headingley with concussion.

Smith was floored by an Archer bouncer at Lord’s and retired hurt before later returning to the crease.

He returns to the field in a tour match against Derbyshire today and is looking forward to seeing what new plans England have.

“If they’re bowling up there it means they can’t nick me off, or hit me on the pad or hit the stumps,” said Smith.

“I’m not really going to change anything. There’s been a bit of talk that Jofra’s got the wood over me, but he hasn’t actually got me out.

“He hit me on the head on a wicket that was a bit up and down at Lord’s.

“I’ve faced the others a bit more, but they’ve all got me out a lot more. I’m comfortable with that.”

Smith could only sit and watch his IPL team-mate Ben Stokes take the third Test away from the Aussies, but had nothing but praise for the all-rounder’s stunning 135 not out.

“I didn’t quite enjoy that,” Smith added. We had an opportunity to wrap it up but he was incredible.

“You could just see the passion that he showed and the fight. When he scored a hundred he didn’t even celebrate, didn’t care.

“He had one thing on his mind and that was getting England over the line. You’ve got to admire that.”

Australia have dismissed fears that spinner Nathan Lyon could miss the fourth Ashes Test after he suffered an ankle injury playing touch rugby at training yesterday.