Steve Smith’s Role in the 2025-26 Ashes Series
Steve Smith is set to captain Australia in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. The series begins on November 21, 2025, with the first match scheduled at Perth Stadium. Australia, the current holders of the Ashes urn, will defend their title against England, led by Ben Stokes, who has introduced changes to Test cricket strategies.
Captaincy and Team Preparation
Australia’s usual captain, Pat Cummins, will miss the first Test, with Smith stepping in to lead the team. Smith is actively preparing by participating in the Sheffield Shield tournament, a key part of Australia’s domestic cricket calendar.
Smith’s Form and Expectations
Smith is in excellent batting form, having scored a century upon his Sheffield Shield return. His performance is crucial both as a captain and as a batsman to Australia’s chances of retaining the Ashes.
Viral Moment During Sheffield Shield Match
A video has gone viral showing Smith’s unsuccessful attempt to toss the coin before captaining New South Wales against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This match marks Smith’s first time leading his domestic side in eight years.
Steve Smith walked out to captain New South Wales for the first time in eight years against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Additional Context
The Sheffield Shield serves as important preparation for Smith and other players ahead of the Ashes series. The Australian team is focused on defending the urn against a competitive England side.
Author's summary: Steve Smith prepares to captain Australia in the 2025-26 Ashes opener, balancing leadership and strong batting form while making headlines with a viral coin toss fail during a Sheffield Shield match.