Steven Smith eyes limited-overs progress

Over the past year, Steven Smith has grown to become an integral member of the Australia Test side, having played crucial roles in both the home Ashes and the series victory in South Africa. His limited-overs career with Australia hasn't quite flourished though, having last held down a regular spot nearly three years ago. It is something he wants to change, especially with the World Cup at home next year.

"I was pretty happy with my performances in the Ryobi and the T20 last year. It is my ambition to play all three forms for Australia," he said during Australia's fitness camp in Brisbane. "Hopefully I can keep improving and learning my game in the short form." He scored four half-centuries in eight innings for New South Wales in the Ryobi Cup last season, and played 10 matches for Rajasthan Royals in the recent IPL.

"IPL was very good for that, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Rajasthan, just to keep learning, and learning how to pace my innings, keep getting in those same situations, if I do it once, I know that I can do it again."

One tournament in which Smith could get a look-in in the shorter formats is the ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe starting late August. "I want to play all three forms for Australia, if I get an opportunity with a few guys potentially not going to Zimbabwe, if I get an opportunity to go there hopefully I can have a good series and really keep putting my foot forward."