Steven Smith chases all-round recognition

Steven Smith wants to be known as something more than a legspin bowler. Smith, the 21-year-old from New South Wales, was picked as a spinner for his first two Tests against Pakistan last month, but is determined to make it as a batsman as well.

''I don't want to be bracketed as a spin bowler,'' he told the Sun-Herald. ''It's great to get into the side as a spin bowler, but I'd like to think there are other things out there.

''I've practised just as hard on my batting as I have my bowling. Down the track I'd like to bat in the top six or seven and bowl as well. I work very hard on both [disciplines] and hopefully that's the way forward for me.''

Smith collected three wickets against Pakistan in England but his most memorable performance was a muscular 77 in the second match in Leeds. Whether he plays in the upcoming tour of India or the Ashes will depend on team balance and the fitness of Nathan Hauritz, the No. 1 spinner.

''Now I've had a taste of Test cricket I want a lot more, I'm hungry for it,'' Smith said. ''The Ashes is definitely a goal - I really want to be involved in the squad. There's a series to be played against India in India soon and I'd love to go there. If I do [go to India] it's up to me to put my best foot forward [for the Ashes] and to then play well for New South Wales.''

One thing he is not keen on is being compared to Shane Warne, who has helped him out as a part-time mentor. ''I'm a blond legspinner, but me and Shane are completely different bowlers - and I'm a batsman as well,'' he said. ''I like to be my own person so I don't really go too much for that Shane Warne business."