Steve Smith builds his ‘Perfect Cricketer’ ahead of Ashes opener

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 11:40 IST | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 11:40 IST

Australian veteran Steve Smith has revealed his perfect cricketer, combining attributes from some of the biggest names in world cricket. Smith, who is set to lead Australia in the opening Test of the Ashes in Perth starting November 21 in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, named five players whose qualities would form his ideal all-round cricketer.

Smith began by selecting England’s Joe Root for technique, a choice few would dispute. Root is widely regarded as one of the most technically sound batters of his generation, demonstrating remarkable adaptability across conditions. Whether it is negotiating swing in England, handling the extra bounce in Australia, or tackling spin in the sub-continent, Root has repeatedly shown the ability to adjust his game seamlessly.

For power hitting, Smith opted for Australia’s Tim David. He is known for his explosive batting in T20 cricket, and ability to strike the ball cleanly and send it deep into the stands has made him one of the most feared finishers in the world. His recent dominance against Indian bowlers during the five-match T20I series reinforced his reputation as a pure power-hitter.

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Next, Smith highlighted Kane Williamson for mentality. The former New Zealand captain is admired for his calmness, composure, and tactical awareness. Williamson’s ability to soak up pressure and make sound decisions even in challenging situations has earned him widespread respect.

When it came to the X-factor, Smith selected his Australian teammate Glenn Maxwell. A proven match-winner, Maxwell’s unpredictability and striking ability make him a game-changer in any format. His heroic 2023 World Cup knock against Afghanistan, scored while battling severe cramps and a leg injury, remains one of the greatest ODI innings of all time.

Finally, Smith named former Indian captain Virat Kohli as the perfect clutch player. Kohli’s chasing record is phenomenal, and his consistency under high-pressure situations has cemented his status as one of cricket’s greatest match-finishing batters.

As Smith prepares to lead Australia into a high-stakes Ashes opener, he faces added challenges with injuries to key players like Josh Hazlewood. With Mitchell Starc spearheading the pace attack, Smith must now focus on countering England’s aggressive Bazball approach in Perth.