'Steve Smith is the most influential player in Ashes history' - Former pacer fires Ashes warning for England

Steve Smith (Source /Getty Images)

Former England pacer Steven Finn has described Steve Smith as probably the most influential player in Ashes cricket over the last 20 years, warning England that the stand-in Australian captain remains at the peak of his powers. While much has been said about Australia’s batting vulnerabilities, Finn believes they can still rely on the ever-consistent Smith, who will bat at No. 4 and lead the side in Pat Cummins’ absence during the first Test.

The 36-year-old boasts an incredible record against England, with 12 centuries in 37 Tests, averaging over 100 in both the 2017-18 and 2019 Ashes series. Though England managed to keep him relatively quiet in 2023, when he averaged 37, his brief stint as an opener last year did not work out. Now, back in his preferred middle-order role, Smith looks primed to resume his prolific run-scoring ways.

"I'd say he's still at the peak of his powers. He has that desire and hunger to score runs and is probably the most influential person within the Ashes series of the last 20 years, if you think of the amount of ridiculous performances that he's had. He loves the pressure and environment of the Ashes and he will be determined - this could be his last home Ashes - to make sure that his memories of it are positive from a personal and team perspective. I would be very, very wary of Steve Smith if I was England,” said Finn as quoted by The West Australian.

Smith endured a 23-innings century drought between June 2023 and December 2024, but has since rediscovered his form, scoring four centuries in his last eight Tests. During this prolific phase, he also surpassed the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, further cementing his status among the modern greats.

In his Sheffield Shield return two weeks ago, Smith struck a superb 118 for New South Wales, followed by two half-centuries in his final warm-up games ahead of the first Ashes Test, which begins in Perth on November 21.

"He seems to have found peace within his batting. He's moved back to his favourable position of No.4. He doesn't seem as obsessed with cricket as maybe he used to be, which I think at his age is something that's healthy, to keep that fight and desire when you're out there in the middle,” said Finn.

Finn noted that one of the most intriguing subplots of the upcoming Ashes series will be the renewed battle between Smith and Jofra Archer. Although Archer has never dismissed Smith, their rivalry remains unforgettable, particularly the moment when the England pacer struck Smith on the helmet with a 92 mph bouncer at Lord’s, forcing the Australian batter to miss the next Test due to concussion.

"It could be a pivotal moment within the series. But what I think we're going to see is both players believing that they can win that situation, which will be riveting to watch,” Finn concluded.