Ashes preparation in full swing as Steve Smith lights up Sheffield Shield return with brilliant century

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Australia’s batting mainstay Steve Smith has announced his return to domestic cricket in style, smashing a sublime century for New South Wales (NSW) against Queensland in the ongoing Sheffield Shield encounter. The knock comes at a crucial time as the Aussies prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, beginning November 21 in Perth.

After a challenging run for Australia’s top order in recent months, Smith’s return to form will come as a huge relief for selectors and fans alike. The veteran batter, who had just landed back in Australia, showcased his trademark class and concentration as he reached his hundred off 158 deliveries, blending patience with precision strokeplay.

Smith wasn’t the only NSW batter to shine as skipper Kurtis Patterson also brought up a well-compiled century, getting to the milestone before Smith off 227 balls. The pair combined beautifully to rebuild after early wickets, guiding NSW into a commanding position against a strong Queensland attack featuring the likes of Michael Neser and Mark Steketee.

Smith, who was seen refining his technique during the pre-season, looked in complete control throughout his innings. He drove elegantly through covers, flicked confidently off his pads, and displayed his trademark resilience that has defined his Test career. His celebration upon reaching three figures—raising the bat towards the dressing room—reflected both relief and renewed determination.

Welcome back Steve Smith! 💯 on return for NSW #SheffieldShield

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 29, 2025

Fans on social media were ecstatic to witness Smith’s fluent century ahead of the high-voltage Ashes. Many hailed it as a ‘perfect dress rehearsal’ for the star batter, while others praised his ability to deliver when it matters most.

🚨 HUNDRED FOR STEVE SMITH IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD 🚨

– A Great preparation for the Ashes by the Greatest Test batter of Modern Era.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 29, 2025

Ashes is around the corner and Smith smashes a Brilliant Hundred in Sheffield Shield… Damn! 🥶#ashes #SteveSmith

— Vishwanath Hariharan (@hariharanwrites) October 29, 2025

💯 for Steve Smith on his return for NSW in Sheffield Shield ❤️#SheffieldShield

— Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) October 29, 2025

Steve Smith announces his return with a solid half-century 🩵

— caped crusader (@capedcr49) October 29, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Smith is back with a stunning century in domestic cricket- the GOAT has returned in style.

— 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗭𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 (@GenZified_) October 29, 2025

First game back in professional cricket after 2 months and he scores a 100. Well played Steve Smith. This man is a colossus in the red ball game. 🙏

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) October 29, 2025

Steve Smith smashes a brilliant 💯 in the Sheffield Shield! The skipper looks in sublime touch perfect build-up ahead of the Ashes!

— Dhiraj (@dhiraj01_) October 29, 2025

CENTURY FOR STEVE SMITH.

— Cric Bug (@Smithian_here) October 29, 2025

CENTURY for Steve Smith

In his very first innings of the season, Steve Smith scores a century against Queensland.#SheffieldShield

— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) October 29, 2025

https://twitter.com/CricketTimesHQ/status/1983426090694783155

🚨 HUNDRED FOR STEVE SMITH IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD. 🔥

— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) October 29, 2025

Steve Smith you Beauty🥰🥰🥰. Skip is ready for the Ashes

— Aatish Kapoor the oscar winner (@AkashThapa2505) October 29, 2025

By some distance Steve smith is the greatest test Batsmen of this era no amount of statpading on England’s highways will make Joe root superior than him in test cricket.

England already shivering 🥶.

— 93 (@93Yorker) October 29, 2025

💯 for Steve Smith on his return for NSW in Sheffield Shield ❤️#SheffieldShield

— Ankit Sharma (@AnkitsharmaINC) October 29, 2025

Also READ: AUS vs ENG: Here’s why Steve Smith will replace Pat Cummins as captain in the first Ashes Test

Notably, Smith is set to lead Australia in the first Ashes Test as regular skipper Pat Cummins continues his recovery from injury. The move marks Smith’s temporary return to captaincy, reigniting memories of his previous leadership tenure.

With the Ashes just weeks away, Smith’s century couldn’t have come at a better time. His innings not only silenced critics questioning Australia’s batting depth but also reminded everyone why he remains one of the finest Test batters of the modern era.

Also READ: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith or Joe Root? Dinesh Karthik picks the best Test batter