Steve Smith looks like he could keep his place in the Australian side for the third Ashes Test, after an impressive knock in the tour game against Sussex.
The all-rounder has started the first two Tests of the series and has been on the losing side at both Trent Bridge and Lord’s.
Smith did make a half century in the first innings in Nottingham, but since then has scored just 17, 2 and 1 and has been used sparingly with the ball.
With Darren Lehmann indicating that he may go with two spinners for the third Test at Old Trafford next week, there has been a lot of talk that the man from Sydney could be one of those to miss out.
But Smith made an unbeaten 98 against Sussex, with the tourists finishing day one at Hove on 354-5 – with Ed Cowan (66) and Phil Hughes (84) also impressing with the bat.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade didn’t help his cause for a call-up, as he was out for a duck – one of three wickets taken by England hopeful Monty Panesar.
Usman Khawaja, looking to keep his place after being called up at Lord’s, made 40 whilst there was also a decent knock from James Faulkner (48), batting at six.
Lehmann has already stated that he will consider David Warner for the clash at Old Trafford, after he scored a century for Australia A in South Africa.
Warner has now served his suspension following an incident when he punched England opener Joe Root at a Birmingham bar during the ICC Champions Trophy.
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