Steve Smith struck a notably calm tone on Thursday as he confirmed Australia’s lineup for what might be his ninth and last Ashes collection. It was a distinction to the depth he as soon as carried on the crease.
With Pat Cummins injured, Smith will captain Australia for the seventh time for the reason that fallout from the 2018 Newlands scandal, although he disregarded the prospect of England supporters revisiting it. He even provided a protracted, lighthearted joke at Monty Panesar’s expense in response to the one query on the subject.
“I’m fairly chilled,” the 36-year-old stated. “I’ve discovered quite a bit over my journey. After I’ve stood in for Paddy, I’ve tried to remain relaxed and let the sport play. I’ve obtained to do it my very own approach, however I’m much more chilled now.”
He admitted the absence of Cummins and Josh Hazlewood was a blow but additionally backed Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett to grab their probability. Dropping the primary Check, he prompt, wouldn’t outline the collection, notably in opposition to England’s high-risk batting method. However he refused to make predictions or interact in pre-series verbal sparring.
“There are at all times so many phrases earlier than an Ashes. For us, it’s about ignoring the surface noise, specializing in our processes and trusting what we do properly,” he stated.
Smith additionally reported feeling in good contact with the bat, an ominous observe for England given his haul of three,417 runs at 56.01 with 12 centuries in opposition to the Three Lions. Whereas his peak rankings are behind him, current lots of in opposition to India and Sri Lanka underline his enduring menace.
“He simply will get runs in opposition to us. It’s a continuing,” Ben Stokes stated, putting Smith alongside Joe Root as one of many standout batters of this technology.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Printed on Nov 20, 2025