Steve Smith made a stellar return to international cricket, scoring a smooth 44 off 46 balls to help Australia clinch a two-wicket win over Pakistan in a low-scoring ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 4. Glenn Maxwell, reflecting on Smith’s performance, noted that the former Australian captain appears in outstanding form and could be a crucial factor in Australia’s upcoming white-ball games against Pakistan and the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.

Smith recently shared his determination to excel in the five-match Test series against India, showcasing his commitment to deliver in both formats. Maxwell emphasized the tremendous dedication Smith brings to his preparation, citing it as a reason behind his consistency and position among cricket’s elite.

“Steve Smith looked really sharp. His footwork, timing, and overall movement were in sync,” Maxwell shared on ESPN’s Around the Cricket. “It was clear that he was unfazed by anything Pakistan threw at him, handling even the tricky deliveries with ease. This kind of focus and technical tuning shows how seriously he takes his craft,” Glenn Maxwell added.

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Glenn Maxwell also highlighted Smith’s intense training in the lead-up to this series, noting that his drive to improve—even after years of international success—sets him apart.

“You see him working so hard every day, and that dedication is why he’s one of the best. There was a moment during the innings when he hit a textbook cover drive, then looked up at the big screen and gave a slight nod of approval. That moment spoke volumes—it showed how much he’s honed his technique. It’s a promising sign for the summer ahead,” Glenn Maxwell concluded.

Australia and Pakistan are set to face off again in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval on November 8. Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series, with the final game scheduled at Perth’s Optus Stadium on November 10.

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Pakistan’s bowlers showed resilience in the first ODI, nearly defending a modest 204-run target against the reigning World Cup champions. Fans will be hoping their batters step up in the must-win game at Adelaide, aiming to give the series a decisive third match and build momentum for the rest of the tour.