Smith has been in imperious form in the Ashes and he is now challeging Don Bradman at the top of the ICC’s Test player rankings system.

That follows the Australian captain’s 239 in the third Test in Perth which took him just 16 shy of the highest ever rating achieved by Bradman back in 1948.

Although Smith ditched cricket to try his hand at tennis today as he took to the Australian Open courts with Milos Raonic.

Ahead of his exploits with racket in hand, Smith said: "I used to be alright when I was a kid but I don't get the chance to play that often anymore.

"No doubt I'll be a little bit rusty first time around for a while.

"Usually if I play a few games I get a bit better."

Smith and Raonic then knocked up where the big-serving Croat landed a body blow with a hammer serve - something England have been unable to do.

Raonic joked "short one" as it struck Smith's body to which he replied: "Now I know how Jimmy Anderson feels!"

The next opponent for Roger Federer? Maybe not. But Smith's hand-eye co-ordination was for all to see as he delivered some confident forehands.

The Aussie captain has helped England wrap up the Ashes after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead. He is now lining up a whitewash.

"We'd love to win 5-0. Right now I'm just really satisfied with what we've achieved in these first three Tests. It's been remarkable," Smith said.

"It's been an amazing couple of weeks, I've really enjoyed every moment of it. We put in so much hard work.

"To know that everything has worked out and we've got that urn back, all the emotions came out at once. I'm so happy for the group.

"An Ashes series is huge for Australian cricketers, and English cricketers for that matter. There is an added pressure. It is my first as captain so I wanted to make my mark and do something special.

"England have had a foot in the door for two games and we have been able to claw our way back. We kept the foot on the throat when we were on top."