Steve Smith is bullish his six weeks in New York has him perfectly poised for the Ashes , also warning standing in as captain only lifts his batting to another level.

Smith returned to Sydney last week after not picking up a cricket bat since late August, what he believes is now his ideal preparation for the summer.

Often renowned for being a cricket nuffie who can be heard tapping his bat in hotel rooms, Smith has taken a less-is-more approach late in his career — a change which would be unrecognisable to his younger self.

He believes it helps him stay in form for longer, as evidenced by centuries against India in Brisbane and Melbourne last summer.

“I certainly get drained mentally quicker than I’ve probably used to,” Smith said.

“Ten years ago I loved to come back and play every

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