Australia News: Smith Returns, Ashes Captaincy Looms

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* Steven Smith is preparing for the Ashes: He recently‍ had his first net session as The Hundred and feels “ready to go.”
* smith feels prepared with minimal ⁢practice: He claims⁣ he only needs two hits to feel prepared and is already moving well. He’s ⁢focused on strength⁣ training.
* Smith will captain Australia in the first Test: This is due to Pat Cummins’ back injury.
* Cummins’ injury is a concern: He hasn’t ⁤started ‍bowling yet and time is running ⁤out for ⁤him to be fit for the first Test. Smith hopes Cummins can play as manny Tests as possible.
* Smith has ‍a good record⁢ as captain: He’s captained Australia ⁤six times since Cummins’ promotion, winning five of those matches.
* Smith played in New York during his break.

* Smith will play two Sheffield Shield⁤ matches: Against Queensland and Victoria,before the Ashes.
* ‍ Potential ‍captaincy duel: A head-to-head between Smith and Ben Stokes is anticipated.