Steve Smith insists he isn’t hellbent on batting at No.4 for Australia in the Ashes and believes his low-key preparation in New York, where he didn’t pick up a bat for about six weeks, hasn’t affected his readiness for this summer.

The Australian vice-captain, who will lead the Test side if Pat Cummins fails to recover from a back injury, had his first hit against bowlers since August 28, when his Welsh Fire side finished up their commitments in the limited-overs Hundred competition, on Tuesday at Cricket NSW headquarters.

One month out from the Ashes, Smith’s place in Australia’s XI is assured, though debate continues to rage about the batting order.

This masthead revealed earlier this month that selectors have discussed a possible reshuffle that would see Smith move to No.3 to accomm

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