Steve Smith's timely Test audition

RISING NSW all-rounder Steven Smith showed an uncanny sense of timing - ripping through the South Australian batting line-up with his leg-spinners to strongly push his claims for a call-up to the Australian squad for the third Ashes Test.

With Test spots up for grabs and a number of candidates on show, Smith, 21, was the player who made the most of his opportunities at a sun-drenched SCG.

He finished with his second-best Sheffield Shield figures of 4-57, bowling with variety and flight.

Khawaja now has the perfect opportunity to force his way into the Australian batting line-up at the expense of Marcus North.

At the end of play, Smith was reluctant to talk up his Test prospects. 

"I haven't really thought about it much ... it's great to be spoken about and all that sort of thing," he said. 

"But in the end it's just playing cricket and I enjoy playing. If the chance comes up and I get picked it will be great." 

But Smith clearly realised he missed an opportunity when he had the bat.

"It was a bit disappointing but those things happen. I just missed one today and was given out, that is the way things go." 

Callum Ferguson, another player chasing a Test call-up, was dismissed for just 14.