"steve-smith"

The 35-year-old batter has featured in 170 ODIs, amassing 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96. His impressive record includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs. Initially debuting as a leg-spinning all-rounder, he also claimed 28 wickets and took 90 catches throughout his career.

Smith, who is leading the side on the tour of Sri Lanka, will captain the team in the absence of Cummins and Marsh during the tournament, which will be played across Pakistan and the UAE

The coach also said that there were doubts over availability of another star bowler, Josh Hazlewood

Khawaja's eight-hour-plus knock of 232 off 352 balls was historic — the first Australian to score a double hundred in Sri Lanka

Steve Smith to lead the squad; first test begins on January 29 and second on February 6

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, just after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Scott Boland, the seamer nearly claimed his second wicket in quick succession. He found Kohli's outside edge, but Smith lunged to his right at second slip to take the catch.

Steve Smith scores unbeaten 65 as Australia take control of second day's proceedings, reaching 234 for 3 at tea in third Test

Resuming their innings at 128 for 5, India lost the last five wickets for 47 runs in 12.5 overs with Nitesh Kumar Reddy top-scoring with a 47-ball 42 on Day 3

Smith was among Bumrah's victims during a devastating opening spell in the first innings, where the pacer tore through the Australian top-order.  

It did not take long for India to complete formalities after reducing Australia to 227 for eight at tea

Skipper Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/54) did most of the damage on the fourth day while Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy played the support act

Siraj bowls a couple of incisive morning spells to remove seasoned Usman Khawaja and out-of-form Steven Smith

I just can't see how you get yourself in that competitive mindset of consequence by playing an intra-squad game, says former England captain Michael Vaughan

India scheduled to begin their tour of Australia with a closed-door warm-up match against the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India A at the WACA in Perth from November 15 to 17

Mohammed Shami is not part of the squad while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been advised long-term rehabilitation for his groin injury

Says the all-rounder's absence will change Australia's bowling dynamics for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Shami last played for India during the ODI World Cup final last year and has been recuperating from an ankle surgery after that

Post opener David Warner's retirement earlier this year, Smith had willingly volunteered open the innings

25-year-old diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back after experiencing pain during last month's tour of the UK

With the first Test set to begin in Perth on November 22, Khawaja acknowledged Ashwin's unmatched skill, calling him a 'strategic' bowler