Steve Smith hits form at crucial time as Australia win in trial

The Australian cricket team have proved far too much to handle for the West Indies as they cruised to a seven wicket victory in England early Thursday morning.

Among those to figure prominently in the victory was former-skipper Smith - touted by team mate, Shaun Marsh as being close to being back to his brilliant best.

Smith top-scored with a hard-hitting 76 and put together a partnership with Marsh (55 not out) of 109 runs, for the third wicket in the first UK hit-out.

Smith hit seven fours and two sixes from 82 balls before falling to the spin of Carlos Brathwaite, but it was his third successive half-century on the back of the two he chalked up in the recent practice matches against New Zealand.

The 29-year-old looked at ease against a lively West Indies pace attack in what is a hugely encouraging sign for the world champions, who face England in an official warm-up game tomorrow.

"He has gone fantastically since he came back in," Marsh said.

"No doubt he's ready for a big tournament. He has come back and scored some runs ... just like he always does."

Following a successful season back at with his Sydney grade cricket club, Sutherland, Smith has a point to prove in this upcoming campaign with the cricket worlds eyes fixed firmly on how him and former vice-captain David Warner perform following their 12 month exodus.

It was not all plain sailing for Australia with opener Usman Khawaja taken to hospital for scans to his jaw after being struck by a rising delivery from Andre Russell, although he has avoided serious injury.