Duck for Smith as Australia draw

LONDON: 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.

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.

Mitchell Marsh (68) and Pat Cummins (82) rescued Australia after they had slipped to 87 for five, to finish on 312 for nine declared.

The final Test of the Ashes begins at The Oval on Thursday with England having already taken an unassailable 3-1 lead. (AFP)