Steven Smith dares to dream of Ashes role

Steven Smith is excited to be part of his first Ashes series but still hasn't a clue what role he'll play. Smith was included in Australia's trimmed 13-man squad for the first Test at the Gabba, but Xavier Doherty is set to debut as the lead spinner ahead of Smith, who filled in for the injured Nathan Hauritz in July.

"Early on when I played over in England against Pakistan when Nathan was injured, the signs were certainly pointing that way," Smith said of being next in line behind Hauritz. "But I guess coming back, Xavier's done well, Steve O'Keefe has been bowling really well as well. For me personally, I'd like to get in the team as a genuine allrounder, whether it be batting at six or batting at seven or something like that and bowling as well."

Smith made 59 in the first innings for Australia A against England in Hobart and his best chance of playing at the Gabba might be if the selectors choose four fast men and Smith ahead of Marcus North. It is not their preferred plan and unless they are confronted with a pitch with far more grass than expected, it is not likely.

The England batsmen have already taken a liking to Smith's legspin - especially Ian Bell, who attacked him mercilessly during his 192 - and would be comfortable facing him again. Smith was happy with how he fought back at Bellerive Oval, where he finished with 2 for 118 after removing Bell and Matt Prior.

"The ball didn't come out great the first 10 overs that I bowled, I'm not too sure why, I just couldn't find any rhythm," he said. "It wasn't too bad, it was just one bad ball an over. I came back a little better with the ball [on Friday] which was good for me, I'm quite happy with where everything is at the moment, it's just a matter of being more consistent and landing the ball well a bit more."

Whatever happens, he is thrilled to be involved in an Ashes series. Last time England won the Ashes in Australia, Smith, 21, wasn't even born, and he's keen to do his part to regain the urn.

"It's the pinnacle of Australian cricket," he said. "The Ashes is the biggest Test competition that goes around. There's the one-day World Cup, which I think is pretty important, but Test cricket means a lot to me and to be involved in the Ashes coming up, hopefully, it's going to be a dream come true."