THE ASHES, 2017-18

I don't influence team selections - Steven Smith

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

All this rubbish about me picking my mates is absolute garbage: Steven Smith © Getty

Steven Smith, the Australian captain, insists he doesn't wield the selection power ahead of the Ashes in a pointed retort to his critics.

The 28-year-old has received criticism from several former Australian players, including now influential media personalities Rodney Hogg and Brett Geeves, who believe Smith holds too much influence on the selection table. Smith recently admitted to playing a key role in Ed Cowan's controversial Sheffield Shield snubbing, believing young NSW batsman Daniel Hughes deserved his spot due to being a Test prospect.

Smith isn't officially part of the selection panel with Cricket Australia disbanding that responsibility from a captain in 2013, which then-skipper Michael Clarke only begrudgingly accepted.

Smith was adamant he didn't wield too much power. "All this rubbish about me picking my mates is absolute garbage. I certainly don't agree with that," Smith told reporters in Sydney on Friday (November 3). "People can say what they like. I'll read it. It doesn't bother me and I just get on with it.

"I'm not a selector but I certainly speak to the selectors a lot and express my views," he added.

Despite being overwhelming favourites to reclaim the Ashes, Australia has several major selection headaches. Smith said "nobody really stood up" for the vacant No.6 position during the recent Shield round, while he was coy about young opener Matthew Renshaw's place in the team following the Queenslander's modest start to the domestic season.

"I'm not sure ... hopefully he spends some good time in the middle and gets himself a big score," Smith said about Renshaw.

Perhaps the biggest question mark revolves around the wicketkeeping position with incumbent Matthew Wade struggling in the role since replacing Peter Nevill 12 months ago. Smith admitted Wade was under pressure but hinted that the upcoming round of Shield performances would shape selection.

"Matty brings a lot to the team," Smith said of Wade. "He provides some good energy, he's a good sounding board, he understands the game really well but in the end you need guys that are performing. He's got another opportunity this week to come out and keep well and hopefully get some runs.

"I've spoken to Pete. We had a chat and I said I probably just need a little bit more from you, and I need you to drive the boys and get the boys up and about," he added.

© Cricbuzz

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