Inspired by Warne, Smith aims to cut England's streak in third ODI



Steven Smith's hero and mentor took world cricket by storm in one split second at Old Trafford 17 years ago. Australia's latest leg-spinner was just two days past his fourth birthday when Shane Warne bowled a bamboozled Mike Gatting with the "ball of a century". Smith, 21, has the chance to come of age at the same venue in Manchester as Australia seek a victory to stop England wrapping up the NatWest Series by going 3-0 up with two to play.

A series victory for the hosts would mean they have beaten Australia in their most recent meetings across all formats. Smith has seen Warne's delivery replayed a few times and said: "It would be nice if I can bowl one of those. But obviously Shane is a different spinner to me. He is one of a kind, and I don't think you will ever see another one like him. "There is never going to be another Shane Warne. Warney was the main reason I started bowling leg-spin when I was about 14. I learned a lot from just watching him."

* PA England v Australia, 1.45pm, Showsports 2