Smith looking for new faces to 'raise the spirits'

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steve smith

Steve Smith is counting on the arrival of some fresh faces for the limited-overs clashes with England to give Australia "exuberance and energy" as they lick their wounds after relinquishing the Ashes.

Australia were strong pre-series favourites to retain the little urn, but suffered a 3-2 defeat to Alastair Cook's reinvigorated side and will attempt to finish the tour on a high note by winning Monday's one-off Twenty20 and a five-match one-day international series.

The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Stoinis will be eager to make an impact after joining up with the squad as the tourists attempt to salvage some pride.

New captain Smith, who has replaced the retired Michael Clarke, will lead the Cricket World Cup winners against Ireland in Belfast on Thursday and the world's number one Test batsman is raring to go in a new era.

Smith said: "It's been a tough tour for us. It's disappointing to have lost the Ashes.

"(We have a) new group now with some younger, newer guys who hopefully can bring some exuberance and energy to help lift the spirits a bit and help get back on track (and) hopefully start my career in captaincy on this one-day tour on a winning note."

He added: "I'm very excited. Obviously, I've known for a little while now that I was going to be taking over the one-day squad, so I've been working pretty hard and preparing everything coming up.

"The last time this group was together, we won a World Cup, so I don't think we have to change a whole heap.

"We're currently number one in the world. I think for us now, it's just about raising that bar and continuing to get better each day."

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