Bad news England: Steve Smith claims he's re-found his batting mojo just in time for the Ashes.
Smith was the only NSW batsman to pass 50 on Saturday in the Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia, as the Blues went to stumps at 7-254 on Saturday's gloomy opening day in Sydney.
But while other Ashes hopefuls fell around him, Smith showed glimpses of his best in a dominant 76 that included 14 boundaries.
The only concern came in the form of an agitated back which required treatment twice on-field and again off it after he was dismissed.
But Australia's captain insisted it wouldn't be a long-term problem just three weeks out from the first Test.
"I slipped taking a run," Smith said.
"As I went into the crease, I jerked my back a bit. It's a little bit sore.
"I've had these episodes before. They usually pass over pretty quickly so I'm feeling a bit better this afternoon with a bit of treatment."
What Smith hopes is more permanent, though, is his form.
Having failed to reach triple figures since March, he looked set for a century before being caught at point driving a wide half-volley from Hilton Cartwright.
Until then, he cover drove with precision and worked anything on his legs away with ease. He looked a cut above in just his third innings back in Australia after three sub-continental tours during the winter.
"I got a few things in order ... The hands felt a lot better on the cricket bat," Smith said.
"When I play in India, I like to open my grip up a bit to try and hit a bit straighter and access the offside.
"Playing back here in Australia on the bouncier wickets, I usually play with quite closed hands. I sort of felt like I got that back today.
"Changing back this time has taken a lot longer than it normally does. But nothing that some time in the middle doesn't fix. It certainly felt a lot better today."
With national selector Mark Waugh watching on, the hopefuls for Australia's No.6 spot would've envied Smith's innings.
Nic Maddinson threatened to get going but played on for 16. Kurtis Patterson looked set on 36 but checked a pull shot from Jhye Richardson (2-43) to mid-wicket.
Likewise Daniel Hughes, who hit five boundaries in his 25, but then skied Richardson to square leg.
Only wicketkeeper Peter Nevill put forward any real case. He was unbeaten on 32 when bad light stopped play, just hours after incumbent Matt Wade had failed again for Tasmania in Hobart.
After the Blues fell to 6-166, Nevill acted as an anchor for Mitchell Starc (43) and Pat Cummins (19no) late in the day.
Earlier, Test opener David Warner made only five before edging a ball from Jason Behrendorff (1-44) to second slip, while Moises Henriques was lbw to Simon Mackin (3-6) for a duck.
