Smith declared fit after injury scare during training

Smith was struck on the hand by a shot from Bancroft. © Getty

Steve Smith, the Australian captain, has been declared a certain starter for the Boxing Day Test despite an injury scare at training on Sunday (December 24).

Smith was struck on the hand by a shot from Australian opener Cameron Bancroft in the MCG nets and appeared to be in discomfort from the stinging blow. The 28-year-old has been the star of the Ashes series delivering man-of-the-match performances in Brisbane and Perth. The inspirational skipper has led Australia to Ashes redemption with the hosts taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead into the dead rubber MCG Test starting on Tuesday (December 26).

David Warner, the Australian vice-captain, said Smith would play in the fourth Test against England. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with him, he's fine," Warner told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday. "He was confused how it actually got there. I think we all were. It hit the top of the rail and then just flicked up.

"I was a bit worried because Smudge (Smith) said 'heads' and it actually hit him," he added. "I was a bit dumbfounded."

Smith's fitness fears came on the back of spearhead Mitchell Starc being ruled out of the Test due to a bruised heel and he will be replaced by backup quick Jackson Bird. Without their talisman quick, Australia's depth will be tested although Bird has consistently proved a capable replacement testament to his career record of 34 wickets from 8 Tests at an average of 27.

Australia's tweaked attack will be striving to embarrass England spearhead James Anderson, who claimed that their bowling depth was shallow. Warner responded to the taunt by declaring that Australia's depth was "fantastic".

"He went very quiet as soon as he saw the (WACA) wicket was quite flat," Warner said of Anderson. "Sometimes you go into your shell like a turtle. We've probably shut them up a little bit."

The fiery Anderson was in the midst of the cauldron in the opening two Tests as insults were traded between the teams. However, the third Test in Perth appeared to be relatively subdued as Australia regained the Ashes with an innings and 41-run victory.

"Hopefully this gets them up and going and they fire some barbs at us," Warner said. "I love whenever we're in a contest and I feel like they were quite flat in WA."