I played the next game and then I was injected with cortisone before Old Trafford. I went back (to Australia) and said: It’s still not quite right. I still can’t do a lot of things right.

I had another scan. There was a small tendon tear and a few other things as well. Having won the first two Tests, the Australians were looking to secure their first Ashes series victory in England since 2001. However, the hosts played a wonderful return match and drew the match.

Despite Australia retaining the right to win the Ashes series, Smith said it was a bit disappointing overall. I thought we had everything we needed to win and we weren’t happy with a draw in the series. Obviously we did that last time.

We wanted to win and do something even better, but we couldn’t do it.

An injury that will require Smith to wear a splint for the next two weeks has ruled him out of the upcoming white-ball tour of South Africa.Smith, who took part in just one game in last year’s T20 World Cup, was expected to open the game in the T20 match in South Africa.

He was in fine form for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League last season.

The former skipper was hoping to cement his place in the shortest format and looked set to feature in next year’s T20 World Cup.

I spoke to (Australian coach) Andrew McDonald about it. He said I would have more opportunity somewhere