Smith prefers to focus on batting more than 'handy tool' bowling

Australian all-rounder Steve Smith has said that he prefers to focus on his batting, adding that his leg-breakers are nothing more than a 'handy tool in his box'.

Smith played all five Ashes Tests in England and capped the series off with an unbeaten 138 The Oval despite being a late addition to Australia's Ashes squad, and also became Australia's youngest Ashes centurion since former captain Ricky Ponting.

According to News.com.au, although Smith is also Australia's second-highest Test run-scorer this year after skipper Michael Clarke, he also contributed with the ball, which troubled England batsman Ian Bell, whom he dismissed twice in one Test.

However, Smith said that he preferred to be a batting all-rounder and wants to concentrate on his batting, although he added that he also needs to keep working on improving his bowling as it is a 'pretty handy thing' to have in his box of talents.

According to Smith, he is hoping to get some volume and consistency in his bowling, adding that he will use his break before a potential trip to India followed by the return Ashes series to work on his spin bowling with former Test spinner Stuart McGill.

A minor quad strain ruled Smith out of Australia's one-day series against England, but he has already resumed training with New South Wales and will be available for at least the first Ryobi Cup match on September 29, the report added.