Smith 'most influential' Ashes star

CRICKET Steven Finn branded Steve Smith “probably the most influential person within Ashes series of the last 20 years" and warned England the stand-in Australia captain remains at his peak.

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Much has been made of Australia's supposed batting frailties but they can count on the ever-dependable Smith, who will line up at number four and lead the side in the first Test in Pat Cummins’ absence.

The 36-year-old has 12 centuries in 37 Tests against England, while he is the only two-time recipient of the Compton-Miller Medal after averaging more than 100 in both the 2017-18 and 2019 series.