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New Delhi: Steve Smith is gearing up for the upcoming opening Ashes Test by leading New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria stepping in for the teams regular skipper Jack Edwards. Smith will lead Australia in the Perth Test against wagainst England as Pat Cummins has been ruled out due to a back injury. Since Cummins took over the captaincy in the 2021-22 season Smith has stepped in on six occasions winning five of those matches. There remains a strong possibility that he may have to captain in more than one Test during the series. Steve Smith set to make his return to state capatincy Smith did not lead New South Wales in their previous match against Queensland where he scored his first century since late August. This will mark his comeback to state captaincy after eight years. The change is believed to be a one-off arrangement with Jack Edwards willingly stepping aside for the game. Earlier in the season when Edwards was on Australia A duty for the opening Shield fixture Nathan Lyon took charge of the side for the first time. Smith will closely work with three of his Test attack members against Victoria With Lyon Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the squad Smith will have the opportunity to work closely with three of his Test attack members against Victoria. Along with Sam Konstas who was dropped Sean Abbott one of Perths reserve quicks will also play. Meanwhile with the bat Smith will face Scott Boland while Victorias bowling attack will also include Fergus ONeill who is vying for national selection along with Will Sutherland and Todd Murphy. All eyes will also be on opener Campbell Kellaway who continues to make a mark for Victoria as he takes on the challenge of facing Starc and Hazlewood. New South Wales squad : Steve Smith (capt) Sean Abbott Ollie Davies Jack Edwards Ryan Hadley Josh Hazlewood Sam Konstas Nathan Lyon Kurtis Patterson Josh Philippe Will Salzmann Mitchell Starc Victoria squad : Will Sutherland (capt) Scott Boland Harry Dixon Sam Elliott Peter Handscomb Sam Harper Marcus Harris Campbell Kellaway Blake Macdonald Todd Murphy Fergus ONeill Oliver Peake