Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Steve Smith’s adaptability and sharp cricketing mind, predicting that his return as captain in the first Ashes Test in Perth will bring out his very best. Cricket Australia confirmed earlier this week that Pat Cummins will miss the series opener due to a lumbar bone stress injury, paving the way for Smith to lead the side once again when the Ashes 2025 begins on November 21.

Smith, who captained Australia between 2015 and 2018, boasts an impressive leadership record — 17 wins, 10 losses, and 5 draws in 32 Tests. Since then, he has taken up the captaincy in interim roles but continues to be a vital cog in Australia’s batting unit.

His numbers underline his consistency: 4,139 runs in 40 Tests at an exceptional average of 68.98, including 17 centuries and 14 half-centuries, with a highest score of 239. Ravi Shastri, speaking to Fox Cricket, praised Smith’s rare ability to adjust and innovate under pressure.

ALSO READ: Navjot Singh Sidhu Calls Rishabh Pant A Phoenix After Remarkable Comeback for India A

“What’s always amazed me about Steve is his ability to adapt to different conditions and improvise, even in the middle of an innings. Captaincy will get the best out of him — he’ll be absolutely tuned in,”Ravi  Shastri said.

Smith seems to have rediscovered his rhythm just in time. On Wednesday, he smashed a sublime 118 for New South Wales against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield at the Gabba, striking 20 fours and a six in his 176-ball knock.

ALSO READ: David Warner Predicts Steve Smith To Hit Five Centuries In 2025 Ashes

The 36-year-old also issued a subtle warning to Ben Stokes’ England, hinting that the Australian wickets will offer plenty of pace and bounce. “Conditions here will be quite different. The last few years have been some of the toughest for top-order batters in Australia,” Steve Smith noted.