Steve Smith is set to captain Australia in the first Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series, starting November 21, 2025. The five-match series will begin at Perth Stadium, with Australia defending the prestigious urn against England, led by Ben Stokes.
Australia will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins for the opening game. In his place, Steve Smith will assume the captaincy role as the hosts aim to retain the title.
Smith remains in excellent form, having scored a century during his return to the Sheffield Shield. He is currently gaining match practice by playing for New South Wales in preparation for the series against England.
During a recent Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a clip of Smith's unusual attempt to toss the coin while captaining New South Wales against Victoria for the first time in eight years has gone viral.
"Captaincy is something that Smith has been good at, but even as a batsman, he will be crucial to Australia's hopes of retaining the coveted urn."
As the defending champions, Australia relies heavily on Smith's leadership and batting prowess to keep their Ashes reign going strong.
Author's summary: Steve Smith is gearing up to lead Australia in the 2025-26 Ashes, balancing captaincy and form as he prepares through strong Sheffield Shield performances.