'Over the moon' Smith says up to Test challenge against New Zealand

Sydney, Mar 13 : New South Wales all-rounder Steve Smith, who has been included in Australia's 14-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, has declared himself ready for the challenge of Test cricket.

Smith scored 772 runs at 77.2 and captured 21 wickets, including a career-best seven-wicket haul, at 44.38 this year, and reckons that his remarkable domestic season would help him cope with the pressure of Test cricket.

"To take seven-for today was a big confidence booster going over to New Zealand and you never know what is going to happen over there. I think I am up to the challenge," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Smith, as saying.

"It has been a long season for NSW and the last few games have been pretty good and I am a bit excited about the prospect of going to New Zealand and hopefully we will do well," he added.

Smith, already a member of the Australian Twenty20 and ODI squads at the tender age of 20, said he is 'over the moon' since he learned of his inclusion on Tuesday night.

"It is what you grow up as a kid wanting to do and if get that chance to crack it and play for Australia it is a dream come true," Smith said.

"I guess there is a couple of days now until I get down there and see where the selectors are at and see what is going to happen," he added.

Smith was earlier called up to the Australian Test side to cover for spinner Nathan Hauritz, who was in doubt for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, but Hauritz managed to recover.