Steve Smith hits back at favouritism claims, says it’s ‘absolute garbage’

Steve Smith has hit back at suggestions that he is picking his mates ahead of the Ashes, labelling the claims as 'absolute garbage'. Earlier, former Australia fast bowler Rodney Hogg had accused Smith of favouritism in team selection. Smith also came in for criticism after dropping Ed Cowan in favour of Daniel Hughes in New South Wales' opening Sheffield Shield game. The call to elevate Hughes raised questions over Smith's influence with national team selection but the Australian captain has dismissed all such claims and said his focus remains only on performing well.