ISLAMABAD: Steve Smith enters what could be his final Ashes campaign in a strikingly composed frame of mind.
Smith, a former Australian captain and one of the world’s leading Test batters, has played a pivotal role in Australian cricket for over a decade. England captain Ben Stokes highlighted Smith and his own teammate Joe Root in the debate over the greatest batters of their generation.
Steve Smith, stepping in as stand-in captain for Australia, exuded calm and focus when the squad for the opening Test was announced. With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined by injury, Smith said he has grown into a more relaxed leadership style: “I’m pretty chilled … a lot more relaxed these days.”
He emphasised ignoring distractions, focusing on process, and trusting his team to execute: “It’s about just ignoring the outside noise, concentrating on our processes … and trusting … that throughout.”
Batting Threat Remains
Smith’s runs will be as vital as his leadership. Over 37 Ashes Tests, he has scored 3,417 runs at an average of 56.01, making him one of England’s toughest opponents historically. He said he has been in good touch with the bat in recent weeks.
With the absence of frontline quicks Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Smith expressed confidence in replacements Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett, calling it an exciting opportunity for them.
Stokes’s Endorsement Raises the Stakes
England captain Ben Stokes placed Smith and his own teammate Joe Root “neck-and-neck … in my opinion, in terms of the greatest batters of this generation,” highlighting the calibre of both players and framing the Ashes as a contest of generational talent.
Stokes also praised Smith’s consistency: “He just gets runs against us, doesn’t he? That seems to be a constant … serious player, has been for a very long time.”
The Ashes: A Historic Rivalry
The Ashes, contested between Australia and England since 1882, remains cricket’s most enduring and celebrated rivalry. The series is called “the Ashes” due to a satirical obituary published in 1882 after England lost to Australia at The Oval, stating that English cricket had died and “the ashes” would be taken to Australia. This year’s series is hosted in Australia, beginning in Perth on 21 November, and spanning five Tests, which will test endurance, skill, and strategy across iconic venues.
Winning away from home is notoriously difficult for England, and Australia will rely heavily on Smith’s experience and composure, both with the bat and as stand-in captain. The series represents a defining chapter for Smith, potentially closing out his Ashes career on his own terms.
Fans and media expected tension over Smith’s past controversies, but he defused potential conflict with humour, joking at the expense of former England spinner Monty Panesar. The moment showcased his confidence, calm leadership, and ability to stay focused while maintaining a sense of levity, signalling that Smith is ready to let his performance speak louder than words.
