Steve Smith has made a late dash for selection in Australia's team for the first Test with a half-century that showed how far he has come since he last played against England.

Smith, unlucky not be included in the original Ashes touring party, was a late addition to the squad and coach Darren Lehmann said before the warm-up game at Worcester he was in the reckoning for a middle order spot.

Steve Smith appears to be competing with suspended batsman David Warner for a position. Credit:Getty Images

He can only have strengthened his case with 68 not out before the Australians declared at 4-396 before lunch on the second day against Worcestershire.

Smith's fighting attitude and nous against spin were on display when he was called up for the last two Tests in India, his progress offering a glimmer of light amid the embarrassment of the "homework" fiasco and Australia's dysfunctional batting.