The Ashes: Captain-in-Waiting Steve Smith Falls for Duck in Australia's Drawn Warm-Up
While Steve Smith was out for a duck, Pat Cummins (82) and Mitchell Marsh (68) played crucial knocks in Australia's warm-up against Northamptonshire ahead of the final Ashes Test at The Oval.
Steve Smith was out for a duck in his first innings since being named Australia's next captain as the tourists warmed up for the final Ashes Test with a draw against Northamptonshire. (Click here for latest Ashes stories)
Smith, 26, who will replace Michael Clarke at the helm of Australia after the end of next week's fifth Test against England, was caught behind off Maurice Chambers in only the 12th delivery of the last day of the rain-hit three-day match. (Smith Promises Winning Farewell for Michael Clarke)
Mitchell Marsh (68) and Pat Cummins (82) rescued Australia after they had slipped to 87 for five, to finish on 312 for nine declared. (Alastair Cook Says He Was On The Verge Of Giving Up Test Captaincy)
The final Test of the Ashes begins at The Oval on Thursday with England having already taken an unassailable 3-1 lead. (Protests Planned During Fifth Test At The Oval)